Cavaliers starter to miss Game 5 with rib injury

Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen has been ruled out of Tuesday night’s Game 5 against the Magic due to a bruised rib, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

It’s a major blow to Cleveland, especially on the boards, as Allen has been a force during the series. Allen is averaging 17 points and 13.8 rebounds in the four games and was particularly dominant inside during Cleveland’s Game 1 and 2 victories.

With Allen sidelined, the Cavs will go with a smaller lineup, analyst Keith Smith notes. They’ll start Evan Mobley, Isaac Okoro, Max Strus, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland with the series knotted at two games apiece.