Sam Merrill remains day-to-day with a right elbow issue ahead of the Cavaliers' season opener. Cleveland visits the 76ers on Thursday, and his status has not been decided.
What happened
Sam Merrill is still day-to-day with a right elbow issue, according to the official injury report released Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 5:18 p.m. ET. His status did not change from the previous update. He has been day-to-day since Tuesday, Oct. 13. Head coach Kenny Atkinson said Tuesday that Merrill went through a full practice, per Danny Cunningham of Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan Cleveland. No other details on the injury have been announced, and no return date has been given.
What it means for the Cavaliers
The Cavaliers open the 2026-27 season at the 76ers on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. Last season Merrill averaged 12.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 26.5 minutes over 52 games. If he cannot play, the backcourt runs through James Harden (33.8 minutes, 20.5 points), Donovan Mitchell (33.5 minutes, 27.9 points) and Darius Garland (30.5 minutes, 18.0 points). Jaylon Tyson (26.9 minutes, 13.2 points) and Keon Ellis (24.8 minutes, 8.3 points) are next in line. Cleveland is 0-0, so there is no record yet with or without him.
What to watch
Watch the next injury report before Thursday's opener in Philadelphia. The latest word on Merrill is Atkinson's comment that he went through a full practice. No return timeline has been announced. Merrill is not the only Cavalier on the report. Jarrett Allen is also day-to-day with a right knee issue. Khalifa Diop is out with a left knee issue, and Nae'Qwan Tomlin is out with a back issue. Tip-off against the 76ers is at 7 p.m. ET.
Is Sam Merrill playing at the 76ers on Thursday?
It has not been decided. Merrill is day-to-day with a right elbow issue going into Thursday's 7 p.m. ET game at the 76ers. Atkinson said Tuesday that he went through a full practice.
When will Sam Merrill be back?
A return date has not been announced. He has been day-to-day with the right elbow issue since Oct. 13.