A desperate Cavaliers team faces a must-win scenario in Game 3. Trailing 0-2 in its series with the Pacers, Cleveland can’t afford to lose another game. In what could be an intense NBA playoff atmosphere, the injury-ravaged Cavs will need their healthy stars to step up. That includes Jarrett Allen, who has been terrific this postseason. Will the center produce on Friday when the Cavaliers need him most?
Cleveland enters tonight’s contest as five-point favorites, with the over/under set at 230.5 points. Here’s the best Jarrett Allen prop bet on DraftKings Sportsbook before Friday’s game tips off.
Jarrett Allen O 22.5 points + rebounds (-115)
Plenty went wrong for the Cavaliers during Tuesday’s 120-119 defeat. However, Cleveland’s two remaining stars did their part. Donovan Mitchell dropped 48 points, while Allen delivered 22 points and 12 rebounds. Unfortunately for Cleveland, Darius Garland (toe), Evan Mobley (ankle) and Deandre Hunter (thumb) were all ruled out for Game 2. All three are expected to play in Game 3, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Obviously, the return of two All-Stars (plus Hunter) limits Allen’s ability to stuff the stat sheet. Still, the 27-year-old managed to put together an exceptional season alongside Mobley. Through 82 games in the regular season, Allen averaged 13.5 points and 9.7 rebounds on an NBA-best 70.6% shooting.
On paper, Cleveland’s All-Star big man is a difficult matchup for the Pacers. Myles Turner is a capable starter, but Indiana’s depth is thin down low. Allen, who played in all 82 games this season, has the stamina to wear out most opponents. On Tuesday, he logged a postseason-high 38 minutes on the court.
The Pacers are at their best when they push the pace, creating extra possessions for both sides. It’s no surprise that opponents have snagged 53.0 rebounds per game against Indiana, tenth-most in basketball. In four of his last seven full games vs. the Pacers, Allen has notched at least 23 points + rebounds. Even with the return of Mobley and Garland, the center can easily flirt with another double-double.
