Jarrett Allen, Peyton Watson and Tyrese Proctor remain questionable for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ home game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, leaving Kenny Atkinson with decisions to make in both the frontcourt and backcourt.
The NBA’s Nov. 6 injury report issued at 3:45 p.m. ET lists Allen with a right knee contusion, Watson with right hamstring injury management and Proctor with a left ankle sprain.
Jaylon Tyson and Nae’Qwan Tomlin are out. For Cleveland, the concern extends beyond whether Allen can return: Atkinson could also be without both Watson and the player who replaced him in Wednesday’s starting lineup.
Cavs injury report vs. 76ers
| Player | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Jarrett Allen | Questionable | Right knee contusion |
| Peyton Watson | Questionable | Right hamstring injury management |
| Tyrese Proctor | Questionable | Left ankle sprain |
| Jaylon Tyson | Out | Right ankle sprain |
| Nae’Qwan Tomlin | Out | Low back stress reaction |
| Khalifa Diop | Out | G League assignment |
| Ernest Udeh Jr. | Out | G League two-way |
The G League designations for Diop and Udeh are separate from the medical absences. The three questionable players have not been ruled out, but the report does not establish that any of them will play.
Jarrett Allen’s response left his availability unresolved
Allen offered a brief assessment after Wednesday’s knee injury.
“I’m alright,” Allen said, per Chris Fedor.
Cavaliers Nation previously covered Allen’s reassuring response after leaving the Thunder game. Friday’s designation provides the next relevant information about his playing status, without resolving whether he will be available.
If Allen cannot play, one option would be to use Evan Mobley at center and adjust the forward combinations around him. Atkinson would then need to account for the center minutes when Mobley rests, rather than simply replacing one name in the opening five.
That choice becomes more complicated if Watson is also unavailable. A smaller lineup could give Cleveland another ball handler or shooter, but it would require a different plan for defending the paint and finishing possessions with rebounds.
Those are possible lineup responses, not an announced starting group.
Tyrese Proctor’s status complicates the perimeter rotation
Proctor made his first start of the season Wednesday with Watson and Tyson unavailable.
That makes his ankle issue relevant to more than the reserve guard minutes. If Proctor and Watson both sit, Cleveland would need another answer for the opening lineup while Tyson remains unavailable as well.
Proctor scored 11 points on 4-for-7 shooting, including two 3-pointers, in Wednesday’s 124-116 loss.
His shooting gave Cleveland production from the lineup adjustment, though one game is too small a sample to establish what that combination would provide over a longer stretch. Friday’s decision will first depend on who is cleared to play.
Philadelphia’s injury report and Friday’s tipoff
Philadelphia lists Adem Bona as doubtful with a cervical spine sprain. Dominick Barlow is out with a low back stress reaction, and Ariel Hukporti is out with a right Achilles tendon rupture or tear.
Those absences could affect Philadelphia’s frontcourt substitutions, although they do not resolve Cleveland’s own uncertainty at center.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Rocket Arena, with the game available on Prime Video.
For the Cavs, the next update that matters is whether their three questionable players are cleared and which five Atkinson selects to start. As of the 3:45 p.m. report, those decisions remained open.
