Cleveland Cavaliers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (illness) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Hawks after missing Wednesday's win in Miami. With Caris LeVert (wrist) sidelined, Merrill has been getting more work off the bench, but he has only scored double-digit points once in his last 10 games while averaging 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 15.9 minutes per game. If he's out again on Thursday, there will be more work available for Georges Niang and Max Strus on the wing for the Cavaliers.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (rest) did not play on Wednesday, but he'll be ready to roll for the Cavs as they finish their back-to-back with a game against the Hawks. On the season, the 25-year-old guard is averaging 21.7 points, 6.8 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game and played 45 of the team's first 46 games before resting in Wednesday's 20-point win over the Heat in Miami. Garland should return to his normal starting role alongside Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland's backcourt and can be used as normal in all formats

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland (rest) will not face the Miami Heat on Wednesday. The team will rest him for the first leg of a back-to-back. Ty Jerome could be elevated to the starting lineup as Garland's replacement. Jerome has finished with 20-plus points in each of his two prior starts this season. Max Strus may get additional offensive touches with Garland out of the lineup, with Donovan Mitchell taking on more playmaking duties.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (knee) will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks, the team announced. He will be out for a third consecutive game as the Cavaliers visit Miami on Wednesday. Wade was hurt in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers last week and has been diagnosed with a right knee bone bruise. Max Strus has cemented his place in the starting lineup during Wade's absence. Although he hasn't been quite like his usual self after missing a significant portion of the season due to an ankle injury, Strus will head into Wednesday's action following back-to-back strong performances.

Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (illness) will play on Monday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 27-year-old missed Saturday's game against the Toronto Raptors because of an illness. But fortunately for Atlanta, he is back on the floor. With Jalen Johnson (shoulder), Dyson Daniels (ankle), and Trae Young (hamstring) unavailable, Hunter could easily surpass expectations on Monday night.