The Cleveland Cavaliers easily took care of the Miami Heat and are now waiting for their second round series against the Indiana Pacers.
Unfortunately, they may be without one of their biggest stars, at least when the series gets started.
Darius Garland has been out since April 23 due to a toe injury.
Writing for Cleveland.com, Chris Fedor talked about who could possibly replace Garland in the lineup if he still isn’t ready for the Pacers.
“In both games against the Heat without Garland, sharpshooter Sam Merrill stepped into the starting lineup. That could be an option again — if Garland is unable to play. Atkinson likes how the offense flows with Merrill, utilizing less pick and roll and more off-ball screening actions. But every matchup is different and every series calls for something unique,” Fedor wrote.
So it may be Sam Merrill who gets the chance to shine even brighter against the Pacers.
Merrill only started in four games out of 71 in 2024-25, but he made an impact in each one.
He averaged 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game on 40.6 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from the three-point line.
According to Fedor, head coach Kenny Atkinson likes how the offense moves when Merrill is on the floor, and he would be an appropriate and exciting replacement for Garland.
Of course, the Cavaliers are hoping that Garland is ready to suit up when the series against the Pacers kicks off.
But he hasn’t played since Game 2 against the Miami Heat, when he posted 21 points and nine assists.
Atkinson has admitted that Garland’s progress is slow-going, so most fans are bracing for at least a game or two without him.
But it sounds like Atkinson is already dreaming up plans that could secure some victories even if Garland is on the sidelines.
NEXT: Kenny Atkinson Reveals Injury Update For Darius Garland
