Rockets rule Kevin Durant out for Game 5 matchup vs. Lakers due to ankle injury
Kevin Durant will miss Game 5 against the Lakers due to an ankle injury.
Sam Merrill is dealing with a right hand or finger injury but is expected to play in Game 5 of the Cavaliers vs. Raptors series. Despite not being listed on injury reports, his performance has been notable in the playoffs.
INDEPENDENCE β On the eve of Game 5, the Cavaliers did not list any players on their April 28 injury report, yet anyone who has closely monitored shooting guard Sam Merrill throughout Cleveland's first-round NBA playoff series against the Toronto Raptors knows he has been pushing through a right hand or finger issue.
"He's definitely got the hand thing going on, right? Finger, some of that, but I love how he's playing," Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said before Game 4 in Toronto. "I judge role players on their intensity, their defense. He's given everything he's got. He's got IQ. Obviously, [he's a] connector. He's not making shots at the rate he usually makes. That'll turn eventually. I love what he brings to the table."
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The right-handed Merrill has been coy about the injury during his media availability. Like starting center Jarrett Allen, who said this past weekend he is still dealing with right knee tendonitis, Merrill has not been listed on any Cavs injury reports in the postseason.
Merrill may have been the Cavs' most efficient player April 26 in their 93-89 road loss in Game 4. He scored 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field (4 of 7 on 3-pointers). Merrill is expected to play a key role off the bench for the Cavs with their best-of-seven series against the Raptors tied 2-2. is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at Rocket Arena.
Sam Merrill is pushing through a right hand or finger issue.
Merrill scored 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting in Game 4, showcasing his efficiency.
The series is currently tied 2-2, with Game 5 scheduled for April 29.
Game 5 is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. on April 29 at Rocket Arena.
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Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) loses possession of the ball battling against Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) and forward Scottie Barnes (4) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) dunks for a basket against the Toronto Raptors during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) reaches to block a shot from Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) loses possession of the ball battling against Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) and forward Scottie Barnes (4) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) loses possession of the ball battling against Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) and forward Scottie Barnes (4) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) dunks for a basket against the Toronto Raptors during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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Apr 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) reaches to block a shot from Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Cavs did not list any players on their injury report for Game 5.
Atkinson said all Cavs players participated in practice April 28.
Apr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) shoots a three point shot over Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) during the second half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Aside from starting point guard Immanuel Quickley, the Raptors did not list any players on their injury report for Game 5.
Quickley (right hamstring strain) has been ruled out for the entire series.
Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached atΒ nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter:Β @ByNateUlrich.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs vs Raptors Game 5 injury report. Sam Merrill playing hurt