INDEPENDENCE — On the eve of Game 5, the Cavaliers did not list any players on their April 28 injury report, yet anyone who has closely monitored shooting guard Sam Merrill throughout Cleveland’s first-round NBA playoff series against the Toronto Raptors knows he has been pushing through a right hand or finger issue.
“He’s definitely got the hand thing going on, right? Finger, some of that, but I love how he’s playing,” Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said before Game 4 in Toronto. “I judge role players on their intensity, their defense. He’s given everything he’s got. He’s got IQ. Obviously, [he’s a] connector. He’s not making shots at the rate he usually makes. That’ll turn eventually. I love what he brings to the table.”
The right-handed Merrill has been coy about the injury during his media availability. Like starting center Jarrett Allen, who said this past weekend he is still dealing with right knee tendonitis, Merrill has not been listed on any Cavs injury reports in the postseason.
Merrill may have been the Cavs’ most efficient player April 26 in their 93-89 road loss in Game 4. He scored 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field (4 of 7 on 3-pointers). Merrill is expected to play a key role off the bench for the Cavs with their best-of-seven series against the Raptors tied 2-2. Game 5 is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at Rocket Arena.
Cavs vs Raptors Game 5 injury report
The Cavs did not list any players on their injury report for Game 5.
Atkinson said all Cavs players participated in practice April 28.
Raptors vs Cavs Game 5 injury report
Aside from starting point guard Immanuel Quickley, the Raptors did not list any players on their injury report for Game 5.
Quickley (right hamstring strain) has been ruled out for the entire series.
Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at [email protected]. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.
