Key Cavaliers Center Ruled Out For Game 1 Against Celtics

BOSTON — Just like the Celtics, the Cavaliers, too, will work shorthanded to open up their second-round playoff series at TD Garden.

Cleveland center Jarrett Allen was listed out before Tuesday night’s Game 1 matchup, logging the fourth consecutive absence for the 26-year-old. The seven-year veteran has been sidelined since the first round (vs. Magic), marking four straight non-appearances in the postseason.

Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff elected to run with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Max Strus, Isaac Okoro, and Evan Mobley for Cleveland’s starting five.

Allen has averaged 17 points on 67.6% shooting, 13.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while recording four blocks in four playoff appearances thus far. During the regular season, he was Cleveland’s rebounding leader (10.8).