Darius Garland, Dean Wade, Sam Merrill Final Injury Status For Cavs-Bulls
The Cleveland Cavaliers are once again dealing with a lengthy number of players who could miss time. This list is centered around it's not the injuries, but rather an illness that is sweeping through the locker room.
Darius Garland, Dean Wade, and Sam Merrill were all questionable leading up to their matchup with the Chicago Bulls and we now know their availability, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
Darius Garland
Darius Garland is still figuring out where he fits in this new Cavaliers offense. The worst thing that could happen now is for him to miss more time. Thankfully, DG went through his normal pregame workout and will be AVAILABLE for the Cavs against the Bulls.
Dean Wade
Dean Wade will be OUT and miss his second straight game with the illness. He was absent during Cleveveland's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night and Wade's absence was felt by the team.
Wade has established himself as one of the best defenders in the NBA and Buddy Hield and Kelly Oubre Jr. took advantage of not having him there. The frontcourt will need to step up to help fill this void.
Apr 9, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) celebrates his three-point basket in the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Sam Merrill
The sharpshooting wing will also be OUT against the Bulls. Sam Merrill was added to the injury report late on Wednesday.
The Cavaliers have excelled with their new offensive identity and Merrill has been a big part of that. Even when he doesn't have the ball, defenses are forced to keep an eye on him because of his elite catch-and-shoot ability.
