The hope is that Cavaliers big man Jarrett Allen will be on the court for Friday's win-or-go-home showdown with the Hawks. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Cavaliers All-Star C Jarrett Allen to play vs. Hawks 'barring setback'

It appears that the Cleveland Cavaliers will finally get All-Star big man Jarrett Allen back on the court on Friday night, and it couldn't come at a more crucial time in their season.

Allen fractured his finger during an early-March victory over the Toronto Raptors and hasn't played since. It was reported on Thursday that Allen considered himself "50-50" for the Cavaliers' must-win contest on Friday.

The winner of the Atlanta-Cleveland tilt will become the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs and advance to face the top-seeded Miami Heat in the first round.

The 23-year-old Allen averaged career highs in points (16.1) and rebounds per game (10.9), while posting a career-best 67.7% field goal percentage in 55 contests this season.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Longtime coach compares Patriots' Drake Maye to two legends
Lakers fire HC Darvin Ham after disappointing season
Yankees legend John Sterling shares one regret about retirement decision
NFL media check-in: Who's out, in and staying on TV
ESPN producer gives update on Patrick Beverley snub controversy
Five NFL players with the most to prove after teams declined their fifth-year option
Yankees' Aaron Judge addresses offensive woes creeping into May
Former 49ers quarterback makes feelings on Brock Purdy clear
Bills become latest team to try to fix talented, unproductive wide receiver
Dolphins add another star playmaker on offense
Insider addresses if Patriots will trade for star 49ers WR
Insider shares confusing trade updates on Mets' Pete Alonso
Rams GM details plan to lure Aaron Donald out of retirement
NFC East check-in: Most, least improved position groups post-draft
Pacers ride bench to first playoff series win in 10 years
Knicks guard joins NBA royalty in closeout win against 76ers
Maple Leafs force Game 7 with 2-1 win over Bruins
Georgia makes Kirby Smart the highest-paid coach in college football
Dodgers ace to make first start in nearly two years on Monday
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott provides significant update on contract negotiations

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.