Jarrett Allen takes off, Cavs win second straight

On today's Locked on Cavs, co-hosts Chris Manning and Evan Dammarell discuss Cleveland's 112-96 win over the Houston Rockets, new two-way signee Brodric Thomas, and then look ahead to the second half of the team's schedule. Here are some key points from Thursday's show: Even though he's only 22 years old, Jarrett Allen has four years of NBA experience at this point in his career. Because of this, he has the dual role of being a veteran for this young Cavaliers team and is also a member of the team's young core as well. Allen's superb game against Houston was a showcase of why Cleveland thinks so highly of the young big man. Marques Bolden didn't serve much purpose with all the big men on the Cavaliers, so waiving Bolden to add a wing player like Brodric Thomas makes a lot of sense for Cleveland - especially with the trade deadline now only a month away. Thomas can earn minutes in Cleveland's rotation based on possible moves the Cavaliers make at the deadline. If not, he at least is in house with the Canton Charge so he can become familiar with the team's system. The Cavaliers were dealt a tough hand when their second-half schedule was announced on Wednesday. The team will open in New Orleans and will also have a brutal road trip where they face league leaders like the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz. This will be another test for Cleveland's mettle and we'll get a better idea whether or not they're truly a playoff team or headed back to the NBA Draft Lottery Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you’ll get 20% off your next order. BetOnline AG There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices