Cavaliers Reportedly Down Key Player Against Celtics

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill is having a fantastic start to the season. However, he unfortunately won’t play against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.

Cavaliers reporter Danny Cunningham shared on Tuesday that a right hip contusion will keep Merrill out of the game against Boston.

Merrill has only played in four games this season, but he is making a strong impression by averaging 17.3 points and sinking 18 3-pointers. He trails Stephen Curry, the league leader, by just two.

The 29-year-old guard usually comes off the bench, but he started the last four games because injuries sidelined point guard Darius Garland and forward Max Strus. Surgeons operated on Garland’s toe during the offseason, while Strus underwent a procedure to address a Jones fracture in his left foot.

Garland and Strus will miss Wednesday’s game against the Celtics. The Cavs have relied on Merrill to help score this season, alongside guard Donovan Mitchell and forward Evan Mobley.

With all the Cleveland injuries, Boston has a prime opportunity to win and look to improve its record to 2-3.