Sam Merrill has been ruled out for Tuesday's preseason game against the Magic with a right elbow injury. The Cavaliers guard goes onto the injury report as day-to-day, with no previous listing attached to the issue.
What happened
Merrill appeared on the injury report Tuesday at 6:25 PM ET as day-to-day with a right elbow injury, with no prior status listed before this entry. Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reported that Merrill has been ruled out for Tuesday's preseason game against the Magic. No further detail on the elbow has been announced beyond the day-to-day designation.
What it means for the Cavaliers
Cleveland is at Orlando on Tuesday at 7:00 PM ET, broadcast on Peacock and NBC Sports Network, and Merrill will not play in it. Last season he averaged 12.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 26.5 minutes across 52 games. With him out, minutes open up for Cleveland's rotation guards and wings, including Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Jaylon Tyson, De'Andre Hunter and Keon Ellis. The Cavaliers have no regular-season games yet this season, so there is no record with or without Merrill to cite.
What to watch
Merrill's expected return is Oct. 22. The next injury report will show whether his day-to-day status changes before then. Cleveland continues its preseason schedule in the meantime, with the 2026-27 regular season still ahead.
Is Sam Merrill playing at Magic?
No. Merrill has been ruled out for Tuesday's preseason game against the Magic with a right elbow injury, per Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio.
When will Sam Merrill be back?
His expected return is Oct. 22. He is currently listed as day-to-day with a right elbow injury.