TITLE: Allen sparks Cavaliers in return; Bucks unsure on Porter Jr.; Pacers weigh roster moves
SLUG: allen-returns-bucks-porter-uncertain-pacers-roster-evaluation
CONTENT:
The Cleveland Cavaliers welcomed center Jarrett Allen back to the lineup on Friday, and the immediate boost was evident. After sitting out 10 games with right knee tendinitis, Allen scored eight points in the first four minutes and finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds in just 18 minutes as Cleveland defeated the Miami Heat.
“It was great,” Allen said postgame, noting that interim coach Kenny Atkinson designed the opening play for him to help ease him back into rhythm. Allen remained on a minutes restriction but proved decisive early, as did guard Max Strus, who continues his own recovery from offseason foot surgery and led the Cavaliers with 29 points on 10-of-14 shooting, including 8-for-12 from three-point range.
Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks may have to finish the season without guard Kevin Porter Jr. The 23-year-old was ruled out again Saturday because of a right knee issue, and head coach Doc Rivers sounded doubtful about a return. “I’d be surprised,” Rivers said when asked if Porter might play again this season, according to The Athletic.
Porter has appeared in only 38 games, battling multiple injuries while averaging 17.4 points, 7.4 assists and 5.2 rebounds. With a player option for next season, his availability remains a key storyline for Milwaukee.
Pacers
The Indiana Pacers face several offseason decisions. Rookie guard Kam Jones holds a partially guaranteed contract for 2024-25, and the front office is considering options such as pushing back his guarantee date for further evaluation, Forbes reported.
Meanwhile, fellow rookie Ben Sheppard said he feels increasingly comfortable after an expanded role this year. “I’ve been able to experiment within my game and my comfort level this season,” Sheppard told the Indianapolis Star. “Just trying to be more aggressive and take my opportunities as they come.”
With roster spots tightening and the draft approaching, Indiana plans to use the remainder of the season to gauge its young players and determine future moves.
Source: Hoops Wire
