Cavs to unveil anticipated beginning lineup with Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland returning Friday, sources say

Allen, listed as questionable going into the night time, has been sidelined since Oct. 7 due to an ankle bone bruise. He missed most of coaching camp, all 4 exhibitions and the primary 5 common season video games. However Allen hasn’t had any setbacks along with his ankle, and after a pair practices, elevated on-court exercise and a full shootaround Friday morning, he’s been given clearance to play once more.

Garland has been out for the reason that season opener on Oct. 25 due to a hamstring pressure that has restricted him to largely particular person exercises and conditioning periods. Like Allen, Garland took half in shootaround with out concern, paving the way in which for him to return from a four-game absence.

Sources say each can be on a minute restriction.

Whereas Garland and Allen have been inactive all through the primary few weeks, Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff was pressured to make use of 4 completely different beginning lineups within the first 5 video games. Friday night time can be beginning lineup No. 5. If the Cavs keep wholesome shifting ahead, it’s going to develop into the nightly, constant beginning quintet.

Friday’s night time’s matchup in opposition to Indiana is the opening recreation of the NBA’s in-season event — an thought hatched by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to carry pleasure and which means again to the early months of the common season.

Having Garland and Allen again within the lineup actually helps with that.