Cavs Dodge Major Injury Setback as Garland, Merrill Exit Early vs. Sixers
The Cleveland Cavaliers can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to injuries, and Jan. 14 was another tough chapter in that ongoing saga. During their matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, both Darius Garland and Sam Merrill were forced to leave the game with injuries-two blows that could’ve been much worse, but thankfully, don’t appear to be long-term setbacks.
Let’s start with Garland. The All-Star point guard has already missed a significant chunk of the season, and now he’s dealing with a toe injury that will sideline him again.
The good news? The Cavs expect to reevaluate him in 7 to 10 days.
That’s a manageable timeline, and considering how important Garland is to Cleveland’s offensive engine, any update that doesn’t involve surgery or a multi-week absence is a win.
Then there’s Sam Merrill-the under-the-radar sharpshooter who’s quietly become one of Cleveland’s most valuable rotation pieces. Merrill re-aggravated a hand injury that had already cost him 14 games earlier this season.
But according to head coach Kenny Atkinson, this latest flare-up doesn’t appear to be serious. “I talked to Sam.
He did not practice today. We'll see, but I don't think it's long-term,” Atkinson said on Sunday.
That sentiment was echoed by reports suggesting the swelling and bruising in Merrill’s hand isn’t nearly as severe this time around. So while there’s no definitive return date just yet, the signs point toward a short-term absence rather than another extended stint on the sideline.
And make no mistake-Merrill’s absence is felt. The Cavs are 16-8 when he’s in the lineup this season, and that’s no coincidence.
He’s having a breakout campaign, averaging 13.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting a blistering 45.5% from deep on nearly eight attempts per night. That’s elite-level spacing and efficiency from a guy who’s become a key cog in Cleveland’s offensive system.
When Merrill’s on the floor, the Cavs’ offense opens up in a big way. Defenders can’t sag off him, which gives guys like Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley more room to operate. It’s the kind of ripple effect that doesn’t always show up in the box score but is obvious when you watch the game unfold.
For a Cleveland team still working to solidify its identity heading into the second half of the season, Merrill’s presence matters. They don’t just want him healthy for the playoffs-they need him contributing now to build the chemistry and rhythm that could carry them deep into the postseason.
So while Jan. 14 brought a couple of injury scares, the Cavaliers can breathe a little easier knowing they avoided worst-case scenarios. Garland’s being monitored with a clear timeline.
Merrill’s hand issue, while frustrating, isn’t expected to linger. And for a team that’s had more than its fair share of health concerns, that’s a rare bit of good news.