Center Jarrett Allen and forward Lauri Markkanen are expected to return for the Cavaliers for Monday’s home game vs. the Nets, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
“They’re progressing,” Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters. “It’s always how you recover the next day and how you respond. My expectations are that they’ll play Monday, but you never know.”
This is a dose of good news the Cavs (9-8) could use after it was learned guard Collin Sexton underwent season-ending knee surgery earlier in the week.
Allen, 23, is 6-foot-10 and has missed the previous two games with an undisclosed (non-COVID) illness. He is averaging 14.2 points and 10.9 rebounds on the season.
Markkanen, 24, is 6-11 and last played Nov. 1, a 113-110 win over the Hornets in which he scored 21 points. He has been out ever since while in health and safety protocols. He is averaging 12.9 points and 5.9 boards in his first season with Cleveland.
Assuming both are able to return, the Cavs will have two-thirds of their starting frontcourt back in the fold.
Rookie forward Evan Mobley (elbow sprain) remains out, though reportedly has been progressing nicely and was even spotted putting up shots in the practice facility on Saturday.
The Cavs have lost three straight, with all three of their games week taking place at Rockets Mortgage Fieldhouse (vs. the Nets, Suns and Magic).
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