After securing a remarkable win record during the regular season and defeating the Orlando Magic during the first stage of the playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers entered the semifinals after a five-year hiatus. Here, however, is where they faced off against their biggest challenge yet: the Boston Celtics. Game 1 between the two franchises ended with the Celtics possessing a 25-point lead. Now as one heads into game 2 looking to avoid another humiliating defeat and the other to continue momentum, a recent update does not seem to carry favorable news for each team’s previously absent players, Jarett Allen and Kristaps Porziņģis, adorning possible significant roles. 

A few hours ago, NBA reporter Chris Fedor took to his official X account to highlight details from the Cavaliers’ recently released Injury Report. According to it, Jarrett Allen remains as ‘Questionable’, while power forward Dean Wade remains in the ‘Out’ Category. From the Celtics’ side, Bobby Krivitsky revealed that Kristaps Porziņģis’s status is still ‘Out’.

Jarrett Allen was one of the most consistent players of the Cavaliers, appearing in 77 of the regular season games and 4 of the playoffs. During the Game 4 against the Orlando Magic, however, the player had a collision with Franz Vagner that reportedly “pierced” his rib. The subsequent injury resulted in him getting sidelined for the remainder of the Cavaliers-Magic series. However, with no improvement further, the Cavs centre was obliged to sitout the Game 1 of Celtics Clash. 

According to a recent TNT broadcast, Jarrett Allen is having trouble sleeping due to his rib injury. Furthermore, it was also reported that the player wasn’t efficient during training sessions. However, Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff provided a contrasting viewpoint, stating that the player has shown “signs of progress”. Unfortunately, his recovery won’t be quick enough to get him on the roster for Game 2.

With an average score record of 17 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists during the playoffs, Allen’s availability could have played a huge role in turning the tide in the Cavaliers’ favor. Dean Wade, the other player on the report, last played for the team in early March. Therefore, his continued absence might not affect the team much.

Serving as the Celtics power forward, Kristaps Porziņģis had scored at least 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2 assists per game during the regular season. However, his offensive prowess declined during the playoffs. In Game 4 against the Miami Heat, he developed a right calf muscle injury and was forced to exit after just 14 minutes of gameplay. Two games later, his status remains the same as before. However, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla recently gave an update, stating that his player’s condition is “definitely better than we thought“.

How would the Starting Lineup and the Depth Chart for the Celtics-Cavaliers clash look like?

Along with Jarett Allen and Dean Wade, two other Cavaliers players are listed on the Injury Report: Craig Porter and Ty Jerome. Fortunately, they are the 4th and the 5th point guard starters on the main lineup. According to reports, if Allen does not make it, small forward Isaac Okoro will take his position on the main lineup. At the same time, Damian Jones and Tristan Thompson will get an increase in playing time.

By considering the above factors, the starting lineup for the Cleveland Cavaliers for Game 2 is expected to look something like this:

With the exception of Kristaps Porziņģis, no other Celtics player is listed on the Injury Report. In his absence, the secondary center and power forward, Al Horford, would be looking to get some additional playtime. With no change in the Injury Report, the starting lineup for the Boston Celtics for Game 2 is expected to look something like this:

The Boston Celtics or the Cleveland Cavaliers. Who will be your pick during the upcoming matchup? Let us know in the comments down below.