Jarrett Allen's Knees Are Finally Cooperating (For Now)

The Cleveland Cavaliers might actually get their anchor back, as Jarrett Allen was spotted doing actual basketball things at shootaround on Thursday morning.

According to Underdog NBA, the big man is officially participating, which is the closest thing to a green light you can get without a coach explicitly saying he is playing. For a guy dealing with lingering right knee tendinitis, just being on the floor in practice gear is a massive win.

Allen's knees have been the ultimate wildcard for Cleveland lately. He was limited to just 56 games during the 2025-26 season, and when he is out, the Cavs' interior defense usually turns into a layup line.

When he is healthy, you get a walking double-double who averaged 15.4 points and 8.5 rebounds last year. Relying on a big man with knee tendinitis is like driving a car with the check engine light on (you know it is going to cost you eventually, but you just turn the radio up and hope you make it to the postseason).

For the fantasy managers who have been refreshing the injury report like a maniac, this is your signal to get him off the injured reserve. From a betting perspective, Allen's rim protection completely swings the total points projection for Cleveland's opponents, making his final status the most important variable on the board.

He is officially listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. But if he is moving well at shootaround, expect him to lace them up and immediately get tasked with guarding the biggest guy on the floor.