CLEVELAND — Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen was ruled out of Tuesday’s Game 5 against the Orlando Magic because of a right rib contusion.
Allen has been a crucial player for the Cavs; he’s averaging 17 points and 13.8 rebounds in 31.8 minutes over four games in the series, tied 2-2.
Isaac Okoro will start in place of Allen.
“When he dominates games like he did in the first few home games, he has a huge impact on the game,” Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff said before the game. “He’s been the guy who, when we’re at our best, often has a quiet impact that people don’t pay attention to. … He’s the quiet glue that helps us all be better.”
Allen was injured in the second half of Game 4 when he was elbowed in the ribs. He left the game for a while but eventually returned.
Allen underwent a warm-up before Tuesday’s game that would determine his status. Bickerstaff said they wanted to make sure he could move and respond safely.
“Your core or your body, if you can’t move and get out of people’s way or do certain things, that could put you in positions where it’s not safe for you to be out there,” he said. Bickerstaff said. “We just want to make sure he’s in the best position possible.”
