The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to keep their foot on the gas vs. the Charlotte Hornets.
Given the Hornets’ string of season-long struggles and their plethora of injuries to key players, it shouldn’t be a very complicated game for Kenny Atkinson’s team.
Considering that, they might want to play it safely with one of their key reserves.
According to a report by Evan Dammarell, Sam Merrill is currently listed as questionable and will most likely be a game-time decision for the matchup.
He added that Isaac Okoro, who’s currently dealing with a shoulder injury, will remain out.
Luke Travers and Emoni Bates have returned to action but are on G-League assignment, so they won’t be available to play either.
Sam Merrill is listed as questionable for the #Cavs tomorrow against the Charlotte Hornets and will likely be a game-time decision.
Isaac Okoro remains out.
Luke Travers and Emoni Bates are on NBA G League assignment and are also unavailable.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) January 4, 2025
While not a starter, Merrill has given the team a big energy boost off the bench with his timely three-point shooting and floor spacing.
Fortunately for the team, they have enough resources to compensate for his absence if he is forced to wear street clothes for this game.
The Cavaliers run a deep rotation with multiple players who could step up on any given night.
They can deploy many different lineups while always keeping one rim protector and one lead guard on the floor.
Given how well they’ve fared this season, the team must ensure that its players are safe, sound, and healthy when it matters most.
This team is focused on the big prize, not the regular season.
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