Cavs’ Kenny Atkinson offers encouraging update on Jarrett Allen

CLEVELAND — Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen missed his ninth straight game Tuesday in the win over Orlando, but there are signs his return may not be far off.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson offered an encouraging update, indicating Allen has entered the final stage of his recovery from knee tendinitis.

“He’s ramped it up in the last few days; trending, trending positive,” Atkinson said. “I watched him yesterday on the court [with] contact. I think we’re in that last stage of getting him ready. I could anticipate in the next couple games [a possible return]. That window.”

Allen has been sidelined since March 3, when he got injured in the third quarter against Detroit. The lack of a clear timetable had raised some concern as the postseason approaches, but Atkinson’s update suggests progress.

The Cavs definitely have felt his absence.

Allen was playing perhaps the best basketball of his career before the injury, averaging 18.9 points and 9.5 rebounds in his eight games after the All-Star break, shooting 63 percent from the field. His rim protection and interior presence remain central to the Cavs’ identity.

A potential return would come at an important time.

With Allen nearing a comeback, Max Strus back in the rotation, and Jaylon Tyson (toe) also progressing, the Cavs are trending toward full health as the regular season winds down.