NBA TOP PICK 2026-01-21 · Evening Edition WIN

Cavaliers vs. Hornets

Jarrett Allen Under 13.5 Points

ANALYSIS

Jarrett Allen's usage remains in the bottom decile for starting centers (14.2%) while his recent scoring has dipped to an average of just 12.0 points over his last five games. With Evan Mobley back in the frontcourt and the offense funneling through Donovan Mitchell and rookie Jaylon Tyson during Darius Garland's absence (toe sprain), we expect significant volume resistance to continue. Coming off three 'under' performances in his last four outings, Allen faces high-confidence efficiency regression against a Charlotte team seeing more perimeter-oriented shot distribution from Cleveland.

Key Data

Usage Rate: 14.2%, Market Probability: 0.7

OUTCOME

Cavaliers 94 - Hornets 87

Jarrett Allen finished with 13 points, surviving a late scare. Charlotte's zone defense encouraged perimeter shots from Mitchell and Mobley, reducing the need for Allen's interior rolls. The game stayed under 100 points for both sides, further limiting opportunities.

FULL BREAKDOWN

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Full analysis and discussion of this pick in the 2026-01-21 evening edition.