Sam Merrill is pushing through injury in Cavaliers vs. Raptors series

TL;DR

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.

Key points

Sam Merrill has a right hand or finger injury.
He scored 14 points in Game 4 against the Raptors.
The Cavaliers vs. Raptors series is tied 2-2.
Game 5 will be held at Rocket Arena.
Merrill is expected to play a key role off the bench.

CavaliersRaptorsSam MerrillJarrett Allen

INDEPENDENCE — 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."

Cavs column: Cavaliers haunted by playoff ghosts in series vs. Raptors | Opinion

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.