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."
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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. Game 5 is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at Rocket Arena.
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 ImagesApr 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 ImagesApr 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 Images1 / 3Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 4 photosApr 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 Images1 / 3Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 4 photosApr 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 Images2 / 3Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 4 photosApr 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 Images3 / 3Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors NBA playoffs Game 4 photosApr 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 ImagesCavs vs Raptors Game 5 injury reportThe Cavs did not list any players on their injury report for Game 5.
Atkinson said all Cavs players participated in practice April 28.
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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 at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs vs Raptors Game 5 injury report. Sam Merrill playing hurt