Cleveland Cavaliers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (ankle) could be in line for a larger workload with Donovan Mitchell (rest) out against the Raptors on Thursday, but the 28-year-old from Utah State will have to overcome his own questionable tag. Merrill has missed the last three games for Cleveland but could be able to return for the second half of his team's home back-to-back Thursday night. Merrill had 20 points in a spot start against the Jazz just before Christmas, so he does have potential upside. However, on the season, he has only averaged 7.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.8 three-pointers while playing 19.2 minutes per game.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (rest) will not play on Thursday when the Cavs finish their back-to-back with a home game against the Raptors. Mitchell played 35 minutes in Wednesday's big win over the Thunder, and he finished with 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists in Cleveland's win, despite struggling from the field, going just 3-of-16. Mitchell's absence will leave more playing time and usage for Caris LeVert and Max Strus alongside Darius Garland, who will pick up more workload with Spida on the sidelines. This will be just the second game all season that Mitchell has missed.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's matchup against Dallas. He hurt his right ankle against the Lakers on Tuesday, and Merrill was unlikely to be available for Friday's contest when the team listed him as doubtful on the initial injury report. His absence shouldn't be a big loss for the Cavaliers, as Merrill has averaged only 7.0 points in 19.2 minutes this season. Max Strus and Caris LeVert will likely share the available minutes on Friday. Strus appears to be getting closer to working at full capacity. He logged a season-high 26 minutes on Tuesday against the Lakers, notching 15 points with three rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (knee) will rejoin the lineup on Friday versus Denver. Knee soreness kept Wade out of action for one game. The 28-year-old forward heads straight back into the starting lineup, bumping Sam Merrill to the bench. Generally, Wade doesn't provide much production to fantasy managers, even as a starter. He has averaged 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals with the first unit this season.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (knee) will not be available for Monday's contest against Utah. He's troubled by a sore right knee and has been downgraded from questionable to out. Wade's absence will open a spot in the starting unit for Sam Merrill (quadriceps), who has been upgraded from questionable to available. However, Merrill has posted unspectacular numbers throughout the campaign, even during his previous lone start, so he's not somebody fantasy managers should rush to grab.