The Cleveland Cavaliers will face the Denver Nuggets on Friday night without two key players in their regular rotation. Starting small forward Dean Wade and sharpshooting reserve Sam Merrill will both be unavailable due to injury concerns.
Wade, who has started the last nine games, was sidelined after experiencing knee soreness following a collision in Wednesday’s 129-113 win over the Phoenix Suns. The team decided to rest him as a precaution ahead of Sunday’s home game against Detroit. Wade has been a crucial part of the lineup, averaging 5.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in a mixed role between starter and reserve.
Merrill will also miss the game due to a tender ankle, marking his 18th injury-related absence this season. Most of his missed time stems from a sprained right hand in November that kept him out for about a month. His shooting ability off the bench has been important for the Cavs’ depth.
To fill the void left by Wade, second-year swingman Jaylon Tyson is set to move into the starting lineup. Tyson will carry the responsibility of helping maintain the team’s defensive intensity and offensive balance in Wade’s absence.
Coach Kenny Atkinson altered the starting lineup earlier this season to improve starter-reserve balance and reinforce Cleveland’s defensive identity. With Wade in the starting role over 12 games, the Cavaliers hold a 6-6 record, underscoring his impact on both ends of the floor.
The Cavs enter this matchup riding a two-game winning streak, aiming to continue their momentum despite the setbacks. The Nuggets, who will be undermanned themselves, present a challenge, but the Cavaliers will look to leverage their depth and recent improvements to secure another victory on the road.
Fan expectations reflect cautious optimism as Cleveland navigates these injury issues. Ensuring the health of Wade and Merrill remains a priority as the team prepares for upcoming games with minimal disruption to performance.
Read more at: www.cleveland.com-
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