Cavs' Jarrett Allen Admits Knee Injury Ahead of NBA Playoffs

Cleveland center says his right knee tendinitis won't fully heal by playoffs' end.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:26pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player driving to the hoop, with the player's body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the team colors of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors.Jarrett Allen's ailing knee casts a shadow over the Cavaliers' playoff hopes as they face a tough first-round matchup against the Raptors.Cleveland Today

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen acknowledged that his right knee tendinitis, which has kept him out since April 8, will not be fully healed by the start of the NBA playoffs. Allen said he expects to play through some lingering pain, but the injury has limited his mobility and effectiveness at times this season.

Why it matters

Allen is a critical defensive anchor and rim protector for the Cavaliers, who are facing a tough first-round matchup against the Toronto Raptors. His health and ability to play at a high level will be crucial to Cleveland's postseason success.

The details

Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson said there will be no restrictions on Allen's playing time, and the team has used the past week-and-a-half to help him ramp up. Allen admitted the knee won't be 100% but said 'when the adrenaline starts going, the pain goes away.' Teammate Dean Wade praised Allen's determination to play through the injury, saying it provides a 'morale boost' for the team.

  • Allen last played on April 8 against the Atlanta Hawks.
  • The Cavaliers begin their first-round playoff series against the Toronto Raptors on April 16.

The players

Jarrett Allen

A 27-year-old center for the Cleveland Cavaliers who has been dealing with right knee tendinitis.

Kenny Atkinson

The head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Dean Wade

A forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers who has admired Allen's determination to play through his injury.

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What they’re saying

“I'd be lying if I said I would expect it to be 100 percent. I don't think anybody will be 100 percent going into the playoffs.”

— Jarrett Allen, Cavaliers Center

“Seeing one of your most important players fighting through pain and just being uncomfortable at all times, seeing him do that kinda puts an extra little energy burst into you. You want to cover for him, you want to be tough.”

— Dean Wade, Cavaliers Forward

What’s next

The Cavaliers and Raptors will tip off their first-round playoff series on April 16.

The takeaway

Allen's health and ability to play through his knee injury will be crucial for the Cavaliers as they look to make a deep playoff run. His determination to battle through the pain sets an example for the rest of the team.