Two key players were ruled out against the Wizards, but there is a positive update
The The Cleveland Cavaliers will be without Jarrett Allen and Sam Merrill for Friday on the road against the Washington Wizards, extending their absences and leaving the Wine and Gold without those two key players for the fifth straight game. However, despite being dropped by the team, both stepped up this week.
After Thursday’s practice, Merrill wore a partial wrap on his right arm as he went through practice.
“Really good news,” Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson said, glancing at Merrill dribbling against two of his assistant coaches. “(He’s) actually shooting with his arm, which is a nice sight to see.”
Before that, Meryl he couldn’t do anything with his right handwho is swollen and sprained from trying to reach Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in mid-November. Nothing structurally wrong with that, but Cleveland’s swing was unable to catch or shoot. At least now he’s showing the ability to do one of those things.
Allen only participated in half The Cavs’ latest practice and did not make full contact. Unfortunately, that’s down from Tuesday afternoon’s session where he did everything. Allen is dealing with two separate finger injuries on each hand, with a broken ring finger on his left finger and a sprained third finger on his right.
In addition to Merrill and Allen, veteran Cleveland forward Larry Nance Jr. was taking shots after practice on the near court with a wrap on his right calf.
Atkinson also spoke about Max Struss‘ return status, which has not changed from the three to four months the organization originally estimated as recovery time after surgery.
“Just no updates in terms of, ‘Hey, it’s going to be faster or slower,'” Atkinson said. “Same timeline. I think it’s in a good way in terms of recovery.”
Struss is coming back from Jones’ broken left foot, while Meryl and Allen are closing in on their return to the floor.
2025-12-12 05:49:00
