Cavs rule Sam Merrill out against Celtics; Garland sent to Charge for rehab
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The Cleveland Cavaliers will not have guard Sam Merrill available for Wednesday’s matchup with the Boston Celtics due to a right hip contusion.
Merrill was hurt in Monday’s win at Detroit after a collision with teammate Evan Mobley and left the game during the third quarter. “He’s hurting,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said. “When Sam can’t come back in the game, it’s painful. I think Evan actually hit him in the hip.”
While Merrill sits, Darius Garland has been assigned to the G League’s Cleveland Charge for a conditioning stint as he continues his recovery from offseason toe surgery. The All-Star guard remains out of the NBA lineup, but the assignment marks a key step toward his return.
Merrill’s absence comes after a strong start to the season. Cleveland re-signed the 27-year-old during the summer on a four-year, $38 million contract, and he responded by starting the first four games, averaging double-digit points and knocking down 18 three-pointers. “Guys just love playing with him,” Atkinson said after Sunday’s victory over Milwaukee. “He’s a winner.”
The Cavaliers carry a three-game winning streak into Wednesday’s meeting at TD Garden but will again be without two rotation guards.
Source: Hoops Wire
