INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — As a result of failing to advance in the NBA Cup, the Cavs are getting a much-needed break in the schedule.
They capitalized Tuesday, holding an unpleasant film session and a meticulous practice.
Starting center Jarrett Allen participated — his first on-court workout (apart from conditioning) since being shut down nearly two weeks ago because of a strained finger on his right hand.
“Full participant,” said Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson. “He looked good.”
Allen originally suffered the injury on Nov. 19, causing him to miss three consecutive games. He returned on Nov. 28, attempting to play through the pain with a protective splint. But Allen and the Cavs both agreed the injury was too prohibitive, with catching, dribbling and shooting all being difficult. So, he was shut down again — until Tuesday, a positive sign when it comes to his playing status for Friday’s matchup against the Washington Wizards.
Despite Allen being back on the floor Tuesday afternoon, reserve guard Sam Merrill remained sidelined because of a sprained right hand.
“He’s frustrated. We’re frustrated. It’s just a slow healing process,” Atkinson said of Merrill’s injury. “Hasn’t gotten worse. Swelling is decreasing. He is still not able to shoot with his right or catch. Just hard to move forward.”
As Merrill’s hand continues to heal from a nasty Nov. 17 collision with Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Cavaliers’ sixth-leading scorer will continue to do individual left-handed work and conditioning.
After Tuesday’s defense-focused practice, the team is expected to have another session on Wednesday, with offense at the center of that on-court workout.