Inside The Celtics

Cavaliers Starter Declared Inactive for Game 2 vs. Celtics

Bobby Krivitsky

Apr 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) dunks in the third quarter vs. the Orlando Magic.
Apr 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) dunks in the third quarter vs. the Orlando Magic. / David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
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The Celtics threw the first punch in their Eastern Conference Semifinals clash with the Cavaliers, delivering a 120-95 haymaker on Tuesday night at TD Garden.

Ahead of Game 2 on Thursday, Cleveland's again downgraded starting center Jarrett Allen from questionable to out. The former All-Star is dealing with a fractured rib that's kept him out since Game 4 of the Cavaliers' first-round series against the Magic.

He joins Dean Wade (knee), Craig Porter Jr. (ankle), and Ty Jerome (ankle) on the inactive list for the visitors on Thursday. None of them played in the series opener.

Cleveland will again start Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Isaac Okoro, Max Strus, and Evan Mobley.

With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined by a soleus strain in his right calf, the Celtics' first unit features Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Al Horford.

Game 2 at TD Garden tips off at 7:00 EST.

Further Reading

Shooting Struggles Not Preventing Jayson Tatum from Positive Impact: 'They'll Fall'

Derrick White Discusses Joining Elite Company in Game 1 Win vs. Cavaliers

Jaylen Brown Leads Celtics to Tone-Setting Win in Game 1 vs. Cavaliers

Celtics Detail Challenge of Containing Donovan Mitchell: 'No Friends in the Playoffs'

Kristaps Porzingis Discusses Target Date to Rejoin Celtics' Playoff Run: 'Doing Everything I Can'

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Bobby Krivitsky

BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.