Cavaliers vs. Magic Game 6 matchup: Cavs are ready for a 'fist fight' in Orlando
The Cavaliers are ready to go 15 rounds with the Magic.
After Game 5 ended up being a back-and-forth slugfest, one the Cavs narrowly won thanks to Evan Mobley's crucial block of Franz Wagner, the Cavs head to Orlando for Friday night's Game 6, where they hope to close out the series.
But they know this test won't be an easy one. The Magic destroyed the Cavs in both games played in Orlando earlier in the series, one that has been extra physical in all five games.
Now, if the Cavs are to avoid a winner-take-all Game 7 — which would be Sunday in Cleveland, if necessary — they'll have to send the Magic home in their home. And the Cavs know they won't be going down without a fight.
"I mean, you're just getting ready for a fist fight," said Cavs head coach J.B Bickerstaff. "That's what it's going to come down to. It's going to be a physical game. We expect that. But it's one of those things where mentally, you've got to be prepared from the start of the game."
The Cavs relied on Marcus Morris Sr. in Game 5, as he became an unlikely hero in their crucial victory. But others in addition to Morris — Tristan Thompson, Georges Niang and Max Strus, among them — have all contributed to the Cavaliers' more physical identity.
It'll be put to another test Friday night.
Jarrett Allen injury: Cavaliers center remains questionable for Game 6 against the Orlando Magic
The Cavs remain uncertain if their big man will be available for Game 6.
Jarrett Allen, a crucial piece to the Cavs' wins in Games 1 and 2, missed Game 5 after he took an elbow to the ribs during Game 4.
Allen will at least travel with the team to Orlando. But whether he's able to suit up is yet to be determined.
"He's still working through some things, still getting treatment," Bickerstaff said. "He'll be with us on the trip. Obviously, we expect him to give it a go if he can."
Part of the issue, and why Allen's status is still up in the air, is that the rib injury is impacting a number of different moves Allen would rely on during a physical game. The Cavs need him at his full capacity, as while they have had success with a one-big style of offense, they also see Allen as the core to their defense.
"It's like when you do something to your core, any part of that core, that discomfort leads to the breathing piece, but more the movement and controlling yourself and how you change directions and all those things, raising your arm, so many things are a part of basketball," Bickerstaff said. "You have to use your core and when that rib is bothering you, it's hard to do all those things."
Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com. Follow him on Threads at @ByRyanLewis.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs vs Magic Game 6 NBA playoff preview: Will Jarrett Allen play?
