Cavaliers: Jarrett Allen returns, but team still dealing with injuries

CLEVELAND — For coach Kenny Atkinson, utopia is clear cut. He longs for his team to be fully healthy by the start of the 2026 NBA playoffs. Cleveland has yet to have all of its players healthy for a game this season. It's to the point where seeding for the postseason might not be as important as having everyone available to play. The Cavs got a major boost Friday in their game against Miami when center Jarrett Allen returned from a 10-game absence with tendinitis in his right knee. Unfortunately, three key players are sidelined, including forward Dean Wade (ankle), point guard Craig Porter Jr. (groin) and swingman Jaylon Tyson (bone bruise in toe). "Last year, we had phenomenal health," Atkinson said. That's not the case this year. Cavs players have missed 250 games due to injuries this year. What complicated matters were the two major deals at the trade deadline, when they acquired point guard James Harden and reserve guards Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. Getting reps with all the different lineups hasn't happened. It's important for Harden and Schroder, who are both point guards. The new obstacle for them is Cleveland's pairing of Allen and Evan Mobley in the same lineup. "It's different playing with two big guys," Atkinson said. "The spacing changes. It will be good to get a little run (with them in the lineup). That's our best lineup." Allen will have nine games remaining to regain his rhythm. "He was the best rim protector in the league post All-Star (Game)," Atkinson said. "We get too perimeter-oriented with him out of the lineup. Rim attempts go down with him in the game (on defense). He's like a 7-foot goalie. He's a big piece in what we do." Swingman Max Strus, who missed the first 67 games recovering from toe surgery, will likely play at the end of games in crunch time. "He's built up a lot of equity (with the players and coaches)," Atkinson said. "He's not afraid to take a big shot. (He has a) high IQ." Wade will likely miss a handful of games after spraining his ankle stepping on a ball boy's foot in the Miami game Wednesday. Tyson played some three-on-three Friday, but "he's still not there," Atkinson said. "That's good news. There are some good positive things going on." Bob Finnan can be reached at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.