Cavs vs Hawks: Previewing winner-takes-all Play-In Game

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Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images /

Cavs vs Hawks: Projected starting lineups, injury report

The Cavaliers’ key injuries: Collin Sexton, Dean Wade (out for season, knee); Jarrett Allen (questionable, finger)

Cavs starters: Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, Lauri Markkanen, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

The massive swing factor for the Cavs is whether or not Jarrett Allen plays. The All-Star center told reporters that he is “50/50” to play on Friday night. If he is able to go he will undoubtedly be limited by the injury, but his defense and rebounding will be key even if he struggles as a finisher and passer.

In the game against the Brooklyn Nets the Cavs started both Isaac Okoro and Caris LeVert, and if Allen returns head coach J.B. Bickerstaff will have to decide between the two. Playing Okoro gives them a defensive matchup against Trae Young, but his offensive limitations were stark against the Nets on Tuesday. LeVert’s creation abilities allow the Cavs to leverage Garland’s shooting and movement off-ball to gain advantages, but he has been relatively inefficient as a Cavalier and leaves this team stretched to defend Young, ostensibly the best player in the game.

The Hawks’ key injuries: John Collins (out, finger + foot); Lou Williams (out, back); Bogdan Bogdanovic (questionable, ankle)

Other starters: Trae Young, Kevin Huerter, DeAndre Hunter, Danilo Gallinari, Clint Capela

The absence of John Collins elevates Danilo Gallinari into the starting lineup, a move that juices the offense for the league’s second-ranked unit during the regular season, but leaves some defensive question marks. Also of note is the potential loss of Bogdan Bogdanovic, who is questionable with an ankle injury; the Sixth Man of the Year candidate has been crucial as the leader of bench units and de facto backup point guard.

DeAndre Hunter is built to defend combo forwards but may be tapped to check Garland, as both Trae Young and Kevin Huerter aren’t known for their defensive capabilities. Clint Capela certainly is, and the combination of Capela and second-year center Onyeka Okongwu gives them solid rim protection even if the defense is shaky elsewhere in the lineup.