Cleveland Cavaliers big man Jarrett Allen is currently on track to play in all 82 regular-season games for the first time in his pro career. He has suited up in every one of the team’s 77 contests so far this season, putting him just a handful of games away from the milestone.
Allen and the Cavaliers reportedly reached a compromise that will ensure that the big man will play in all 82 of Cleveland’s games while also being well-rested for the 2025 NBA Playoffs, per Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor.
“Center Jarrett Allen, who has set a personal goal to play all 82 games this season, ended the night with four points and four rebounds in 15 minutes — all of which came in the first half,” Fedor wrote after Friday’s game.
“Sources say Allen spoke with coaches and trainers earlier in the day and came to an organizational compromise that allows him to maintain his 82-game goal while also getting much-needed rest ahead of the playoffs. While he will play short first-half bursts, Allen is not expected to play much, if at all, in the second half during the final five games.”
The plan was in action on Friday, as Allen played in the first half of Cleveland’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs but wasn’t on the floor in the second half.
Allen has been a valuable piece again this season. On top of his availability, he has provided the Cavaliers with scoring, rebounding and defense. He’s shooting a league-best 71.1 percent from the field this season.
The former University of Texas at Austin standout is hoping that he can carry over his fortunate injury luck this season into the 2025 NBA Playoffs. He played in just four games for the Cavaliers in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, and the team’s run came to an end in the second round.
Fortunately for the Cavaliers, it seems as if the team has very little to play for at this point of the 2024-25 regular season, so lightening Allen’s load is a viable choice.
Cleveland is five games ahead of the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics for the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. With the Cavaliers and Celtics each having five games left in the regular season, it would take a wild turn of events for Boston to steal the top spot.
The Cavaliers can earn their 63rd win of the season with a victory over the Sacramento Kings in the next game on their schedule. Sacramento has lost all but three of its last 10 games played and owns the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference with a record of 37-40.
