Cavs could be without multiple core players vs. Grizzlies

The Cavaliers may need to rely on their depth to beat the Grizzlies.

The Cleveland Cavaliers could be shorthanded when they take on the second-place team in the Western Conference, the Memphis Grizzlies, on Sunday evening. Both Jarrett Allen (right index finger) and Darius Garland (left hip contusion) are questionable for the game. Each received their injury during Friday’s blowout win over the New York Knicks.

Allen left midway through Friday’s game with a hand injury. The initial X-rays came back negative. Head coach Kenny Atkinson said afterward that he would have an MRI on his hand on Saturday.

While we don’t know the results of the MRI, it seems as if things came back okay if it’s possible he could return to the court for the following game.

Allen was asked in the locker room after the game if he was fine. Donovan Mitchell shut the question down stating that he’s going to be “okay.” Mitchell certainly isn’t a doctor, but the Cavs are hoping that his diagnosis is correct.

Garland took a hard fall in the second quarter after being fouled by Karl-Anthony Towns on a drive to the basket. It seemed like he had a head injury on that play, but was able to stay in the game.

Shortly thereafter, he was seen walking up and down the court holding his lower back/hip area. That hard fall seemed to have hurt Garland’s hip as well.

The Cavs have been winning this season because of their depth. They will need to rely on that on Sunday if either or both aren’t able to play.

Fortunately, the Cavaliers are expecting to have Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Lineups with both on the court without Allen and Garland have been fantastic. Those units have outscored their opponents by 12.5 points per 100 possessions (94th percentile) with a 118.6 offensive rating (81st percentile) and a 106.1 defensive rating (95th percentile).

The Grizzlies are expected to be fully healthy for the matchup that tips off at 7 on Sunday.