Cavs’ Sam Merrill Day-to-Day; No Updates On Isaac Okoro, Dean Wade

November 18, 2024

When you stand at 15-0, everyone wants to know your business. And business is indeed booming for the Cavaliers.

In fact, right now, about the only thing that could potentially slow these Cavs, it seems, is the injury report. Basically, it’s been a bad time for ankles in Cleveland.

As you know, Max Strus suffered a major right ankle injury during a preseason workout and was listed as being out at least six weeks. Last week, Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said that Strus was “progressing.” Based on the Cavs’ timeframe, Strus could return later this month.

Meanwhile, reserve sharpshooter Sam Merrill has been dealing with left ankle soreness and has missed the last three games.

“He’s still day-to-day,” Atkinson said before Sunday’s home win over the Charlotte Hornets. “He’s still a little sore. But again, I don’t see this as a long-term thing. He’s just trying to get the ankle right.”

Meanwhile, both Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade exited Sunday’s win with left ankle sprains. So for those keeping math, that’s three left ankles and one right.

Okoro looked OK in the locker room after the game, cracking a few jokes and walking with only a slight limp, if one at all. Wade seemed determined to stay in the game after his injury, but was pulled for the night. He was wearing a walking boot and did have a slight limp in the locker room.

The #Cavs face their tallest task of the unbeaten streak when they roll into Boston tomorrow night. #LetEmKnow

"That's the big one. You go in there and win, and finally, the national media will give the Cavs some love."

– @AmicoHoops pic.twitter.com/H3MnMcfwI9

— Full Court Cleveland (@FullCourtCLE) November 18, 2024

Understandably, Atkinson had no updates on Okoro or Wade when meeting with reporters five minutes after the game.

The Cavs visit the defending champion Boston Celtics on Tuesday night in the second NBA Cup game for both teams. Boston eliminated Cleveland from the playoffs last season en route to the title.

“It’s gonna be a test for us,” Atkinson said. “They play a different style with their five-out (offense). We’re at that point, 15-0, so let’s see where we stand against the best.”

Donovan Mitchell, who sat out for the purpose of rest vs. the Hornets, is good to go for the Celtics.