Max Strus and Sam Merrill have missed the last two preseason games for the Cavaliers due to injuries, raising concerns about their readiness for the regular season. But fear not, they should be good to go, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
Both players have recently taken significant steps in their recovery at practice — with Strus and Merrill participating in full-speed, non-contact workouts. Strus has been out with a hip contusion; Merrill with wrist soreness.
Coach Kenny Atkinson has repeatedly called both “day-to-day,” falling just short of saying, yeah, they’re fine.
This is encouraging news for the Cavaliers, who open the regular season on Wednesday in Toronto. And having arguably their two best perimeter shooters is probably helpful.
Strus again will be crucial in the goal of spreading the floor and adding scoring punch. Merrill, who has shown promise as a reliable contributor off the bench, will also play a key role in providing depth.
As the Cavs approach the opener, the anticipation is building. And again, fear not, as I’ve covered much of what to look for and perhaps expect on the latest Hoops Wire Live from 330 to Go.
Along with Strus, Atkinson will roll with the Core Four (Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen) in the starting lineup, with Caris LeVert, Dean Wade, Isaac Okoro, Ty Jerome and Tristan Thompson as the main men off the bench. Look for Merrill and Georges Niang, and perhaps rookie Jaylon Tyson, to factor in there as well.
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