Cleveland Cavaliers center, Jarrett Allen, was unable to take the court for Game 7 against the Orlando Magic on Sunday due to a painful rib injury. This marks the third consecutive game that Allen has been forced to miss in the first-round series.

Known for his strong performances in the earlier games of the series, Allen had been a key player for the Cavaliers. The 6-foot-11 center had been averaging 17.0 points and an impressive 13.8 rebounds in the first four games.

The exact moment when Allen suffered the injury remains uncertain, with speculation pointing to Game 4. Despite entering Game 7 with hopes of returning, Allen's mobility issues persisted, making it difficult for him to contribute effectively on the court.

The Cavaliers' head coach, J.B. Bickerstaff, remained cautious when addressing Allen's availability before the decisive game, simply stating, "we'll see." The team has officially confirmed that Allen is dealing with bruised ribs.

Allen had a strong desire to redeem himself after last year's disappointing performance in the opening round, where the Cavs were defeated by the New York Knicks in just five games. Reflecting on that experience, Allen admitted that the "lights were too bright" for him and his teammates.

Throughout this season, Allen showcased his talent, averaging a career-high 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 77 games. This marked his fourth season with the Cavaliers after being acquired in a trade from the Brooklyn Nets.

While Allen's absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Cavaliers, the team remains determined to give their best effort in Game 7 to secure a victory over the Orlando Magic and advance to the next round of the playoffs. As for Allen, his focus now shifts to his recovery and regaining full fitness for future games.