Cleveland Cavaliers News

EASTERN CENTRAL

Sam Merrill • SG • Cavaliers

Sam Merrill to Miss Fourth Straight Game Friday

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill (hand) will miss Friday's game against Sacramento, marking his fourth straight absence as he continues to manage a right-hand sprain. With Merrill and Darius Garland (toe) sidelined, Cleveland is again leaning on Jaylon Tyson for secondary scoring and playmaking. Tyson delivered 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in 31 minutes last game, giving him short-term value in standard formats. Craig Porter Jr. also continues to see an expanded role, though his seven points, one rebound, and two assists in 18 minutes keep him capped as a low-end option.

19 hours ago

Sam Merrill • SG • Cavaliers

Sam Merrill Still Out vs. Thunder

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill (hand) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Oklahoma City, marking his second straight absence with a right-hand sprain, though he remains day-to-day. With Darius Garland (toe) also sidelined, Cleveland's backcourt rotation stays thin, and usage is redistributed. Jaylon Tyson continues to benefit most, coming off a 39-point outing in 38 minutes Friday while handling a larger offensive role. Lonzo Ball and Craig Porter Jr. should see added minutes off the bench but remain situational fantasy plays due to volatile production.

4 days ago

Darius Garland • PG • Cavaliers

Darius Garland Diagnosed With Big-Toe Sprain

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (toe) will be re-evaluated in seven to 10 days after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 big-toe sprain. The injury isn't to the same toe that forced him to miss the start of the 2025 campaign. However, it's unknown how long it will keep him off the floor. The 25-year-old is averaging 18.0 points, 6.9 assists, and 36.0% shooting from behind the arc this season. While Garland is out of commission, Donovan Mitchell should take over most of the ball-handling duties, with Craig Porter Jr. and Jaylon Tyson in line for enhanced roles.

5 days ago

Sam Merrill • SG • Cavaliers

Sam Merrill Out Friday with Hand Sprain

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (hand) is out for Friday's game against the 76ers due to a right-hand sprain, an injury he aggravated on Wednesday. Merrill logged just three points in 10 minutes in the win, and his absence removes a key spacing piece from the rotation. Craig Porter Jr. becomes a viable short-term assists streamer after stepping into a larger bench role, while Jaylon Tyson could also see extra opportunities on the wing. With Darius Garland (toe) sidelined, Donovan Mitchell is expected to carry a heavier share of the perimeter workload.

7 days ago

Darius Garland • PG • Cavaliers

Darius Garland Won't Play on Friday Evening

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (foot) is listed as out for Friday's rematch with Philadelphia. He had 20 points when these clubs met on Wednesday. However, his night ended abruptly due to a right toe injury. Fortunately, it's not the same toe that Garland had surgery on during the offseason. For now, fantasy managers can consider the 25-year-old as day-to-day. As far as his absence on Friday is concerned, Jaylon Tyson, averaging 13.3 points, 5.5 boards, and 1.0 steals in 22 starts this season, is the favorite to replace him in the rotation, with Craig Porter Jr. in line for more minutes and scoring opportunities.

Jan 15

Darius Garland • PG • Cavaliers

Darius Garland Exits Early Wednesday With Foot Injury

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland (foot) missed the end of Wednesday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers due to injury, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Garland hurt his right foot during the third quarter. Despite his early exit, Garland finished the game as one of Cleveland's top scorers. He had 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting, adding seven assists and grabbing three rebounds. If Garland misses additional time, Donovan Mitchell will have an increased role as a playmaker, while Craig Porter Jr. and Lonzo Ball are expected to see their minutes rise.

Jan 15

Dean Wade • PF • Cavaliers

Dean Wade Unavailable Wednesday

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (knee) won't suit up on Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers. He will miss a fourth consecutive game due to a left knee contusion. During Wade's absence, Sam Merrill has moved back to the first unit, sinking eight triples over the last two games while averaging 17.0 points. Nae'Qwan Tomlin, Jaylon Tyson, and De'Andre Hunter have seen more minutes off the bench. Merrill's form faces a stern test on Wednesday night, as Philadelphia has limited opponents to 33.5 percent three-point shooting, the second-lowest percentage in the league.

Jan 14

Dean Wade • PF • Cavaliers

Dean Wade Sidelined on Monday

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (knee) won't suit up against the Utah Jazz on Monday. Wade will miss his third consecutive contest due to a left knee contusion. The 29-year-old is averaging 5.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per contest across 34 appearances this campaign. His next chance to return is on Wednesday versus the Sixers. De'Andre Hunter, Nae'Qwan Tomlin, and Jaylon Tyson will continue to take on heavier workloads while Wade is out of action.

Jan 12

Darius Garland • PG • Cavaliers

Darius Garland to Play on Thursday

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (hand) is officially cleared to suit up for Thursday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Garland was a late addition to the injury report due to a right-hand contusion. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to force Garland to miss any action. Garland finished with 29 points, six assists, and two rebounds during Tuesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. This hand injury didn't seem to impact him during that game, so fantasy managers shouldn't have anything to worry about. Garland is safe to start in all fantasy formats ahead of Thursday's contest.

Jan 9

Dean Wade • PF • Cavaliers

Dean Wade Ruled Out Thursday

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (knee) won't play on Thursday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 29-year-old is having trouble with his left knee. He ended a two-game absence on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers, but Wade logged only eight minutes before exiting the game due to a left knee contusion. De'Andre Hunter, Nae'Qwan Tomlin, and Jaylon Tyson (illness) will help fill the void left by Wade. Although Tyson is listed on the injury report due to illness, he is expected to be available against Minnesota.

Jan 8

Donovan Mitchell • SG • Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell Available Thursday

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (rest) is not on the injury report for Thursday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The six-time All-Star was rested on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers. Dean Wade (knee) started in his place but left early. Mitchell has scored 30-plus points in three straight games, shooting 54 percent. It will be challenging for him to keep the run going on Thursday night, as Cleveland faces the NBA's sixth-best defense. Darius Garland and Sam Merrill, who combined for 48 points on Tuesday, will have fewer scoring opportunities with Mitchell back.

Jan 8

Max Strus • SG • Cavaliers

Max Strus to Miss Another Month

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus (foot) will be out for at least another month, the team announced Tuesday. Strus underwent foot surgery on Aug. 26 and was initially expected to resume basketball activities in three to four months. However, the 29-year-old has yet to play this season. It's now clear that Strus will remain out at least until February. Jaylon Tyson and Sam Merrill have capitalized on Strus' absence this season, both showing major improvement in their offensive production.

Jan 7

Dean Wade • PF • Cavaliers

Dean Wade Back in Action Versus Pacers

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (knee) is available for Tuesday's matchup with the Indiana Pacers. Wade is set to return after missing two consecutive contests due to a left knee contusion. The 29-year-old is averaging 7.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists during 24.0 minutes per appearance. With Wade back in the mix, 25-year-old Nae'Qwan Tomiln's role will likely be reduced during tonight's tilt.

Jan 6

Jaylon Tyson • SF • Cavaliers

Jaylon Tyson Set to Suit Up on Tuesday

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (illness) will play on Tuesday versus the Indiana Pacers. Tyson was listed as questionable due to an illness, but he has upgraded to active for tonight's matchup. The 23-year-old posted a total of just nine points in his last two outings. However, with Donovan Mitchell (rest) getting the evening off, Tyson should see plenty of extra minutes and scoring opportunities with the team's second unit, with Dean Wade likely to start.

Jan 6

Jarrett Allen • C • Cavaliers

Jarrett Allen Active on Tuesday

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (illness) is set to suit up against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. The Cavaliers' big man sat out Sunday's loss to the Detroit Pistons due to an illness, but he has been cleared to play this evening. The team has already ruled out Donovan Mitchell (rest), but forward Jaylon Tyson (illness) is good to go. Allen should slide into his starting frontcourt spot next to Evan Mobley for tonight's tilt. The 27-year-old is averaging 13.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, two assists, and 1.8 steals in about 25 minutes of playing time per contest this campaign.

Jan 6

Jarrett Allen • C • Cavaliers

Jarrett Allen Upgraded To Probable Tuesday

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (illness) looks primed to return to the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers. The Cavaliers' big man sat out of the Sunday night loss to the Detroit Pistons. The team has already ruled out Donovan Mitchell (rest), while forward Jaylon Tyson (illness) is questionable. Allen should slide into his starting frontcourt spot next to Evan Mobley if he's indeed active. The 27-year-old is averaging 13.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, two assists, and 1.8 stocks in about 25 minutes of playing time per game this season.

Jan 6

Jarrett Allen • C • Cavaliers

Jarrett Allen at Risk of Missing Another Game

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (illness) could be out for a second consecutive game on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers, as the team has listed him as questionable on the injury report. The big man is working his way through an illness and may return in a good spot, facing a team that allows the 11th-most fantasy points to centers. Sam Merrill filled in for Allen in the starting unit in Sunday's loss to the Detroit Pistons, scoring 15 points on 5-for-7 three-point shooting. On Tuesday, Merrill could make an even bigger impact, with Cleveland potentially missing two regular starters. The team has already ruled out Donovan Mitchell (rest) for the matchup.

Jan 6

Donovan Mitchell • SG • Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell Resting Tuesday

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (rest) will take the night off on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers. After seeing him string together a run of three consecutive 30-point games, the Cavaliers have decided to rest Mitchell against the Eastern Conference bottom feeders. Mitchell's absence will put the ball more in Darius Garland's hands, while Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, and De'Andre Hunter may all be more involved in the action as well. Vegas has set the total at 236.5 points for this game, and a high-scoring contest could result in many outstanding fantasy performances.

Jan 6

Jarrett Allen • C • Cavaliers

Jarrett Allen Ruled Out on Sunday Afternoon

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (illness) won't play in Sunday's Central Division showdown with the Detroit Pistons. The Cavs won't play again until Tuesday in Indiana, so the 27-year-old has a few days to rest. In the meantime, Evan Mobley will likely slide over to the five spot and could surge versus a Pistons team that is without Jalen Duren (ankle), who will be sidelined for at least a week. Jaylon Tyson, averaging 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 45.1% shooting from deep in 20 starts throughout the campaign, will once again be rolling with the first-five.

Jan 4

De'Andre Hunter • SF • Cavaliers

De'Andre Hunter May Miss Second Straight Game Due to Illness

Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (illness) has been listed as questionable for Friday's matchup against the Denver Nuggets. He's in danger of missing a second consecutive game due to illness. Hunter lost his starting role midway through December, but his workload has remained about the same. The 28-year-old has posted 12.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in 25.0 minutes per game since dropping to the bench. Due to Hunter's absence, Jaylon Tyson and Nae'Qwan Tomlin saw more action in Wednesday's win over the Phoenix Suns. The latter doesn't have any significance in fantasy basketball, but Tyson's stock has been rising all season, and he has even more appeal with Hunter out.

Jan 2

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