The Cleveland Cavaliers’ resolve is being tested early in what they hope to be a title-winning 2025-26 campaign. Already down one key player in two-time All-Star selection Darius Garland, who’s making his way back from a toe injury, another one of their starters has landed on the injury report: Jarrett Allen.
Cavs Starter Jarrett Allen Diagnosed With Finger Fracture
Allen has been diagnosed with a “non-displaced fracture of his distal phalanx,” per Locked On Cavs host Danny Cunningham. The nine-year veteran injured his left ring finger during Wednesday’s loss to the Boston Celtics, prompting an x-ray. Named an All-Star himself in 2021-22, Allen has started every game he’s played for Cleveland since 2021-22.
#Cavs say that Jarrett Allen sustained an injury to his left ring finger last night against Boston. An x-ray earlier today revealed a “non-displaced fracture of his distal phalanx” and he will be listed as questionable for tomorrow against Toronto.
— Danny Cunningham (@dannycunningham.bsky.social) October 30, 2025 at 4:34 PM
This season, Allen is averaging 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 27.0 minutes per game. His numbers are uncharacteristically low in several categories, such as rebounds per game, blocks per game (0.4), and field goal percentage (.575). He’s not alone, as neither Evan Mobley nor De’Andre Hunter have looked like themselves offensively. Furthermore, no Cavs starter is averaging 5+ assists per game, evidence of the first unit’s lack of a floor general.
Finding The Silver Lining In Jarrett Allen’s Potential Absence
Until Garland returns to the court, promoting playmaker Lonzo Ball to the starting lineup could help the Cavs get back on track. To that point, Ball leads the team with 6.0 assists per game despite ranking sixth in minutes per game (23.5). With his court vision and adroit passing, the remodeled first unit could hum.
Of course, a big man’s best friend is a point guard, so this could be particularly beneficial for Allen.
If the Cavs are forced to play without Allen for any length of time though, Mobley will probably slide to center. Keeping that in mind, there’s still a possibility that the pivot is his best position. Not only would he have more athletic advantages over centers than power forwards, 5s with guard skills present more problems for opposing defenses. This could also have an impact on Mobley psychologically. Thinking of himself as a center rather than power forward could influence him to settle for fewer jumpers.
It’s strange to say, but Allen’s injury could turn out to be what’s best for Cleveland in the long run.
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