Star guard Darius Garland and sharpshooter Sam Merrill face uncertain futures after suffering injuries in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 133-107 win over the Philadelphia 76ers
Kenny Atkinson has had his hands full trying to put together lineups on a nightly basis while juggling what feels like a never-ending rotation of injuries. The balancing act is likely to continue this week.
In the aftermath of a 133-107 statement win over the Philadelphia 76ers, Atkinson revealed that star point guard Darius Garland and sharpshooter Sam Merrill are likely doubtful for Friday's rematch with Philly.
Garland exited on Wednesday's game in the third quarter with what is being classified as a right foot injury. The ailment was bad enough that Garland laid on the floor, visibly writhing in pain while 76ers All-Star Tyrese Maxey darted in the opposite direction for a breakaway dunk.
Eventually, Garland made his way to the bench with some help. Moments later he was walking back up the tunnel to the locker room and didn't return.
Notably, Garland has been dealing wth the aftereffects of a great big toe injury or turf toe injury on his left foot, which required surgery this offseason. Earlier this season, he tweaked the ailment and was in-and-out of the lineup for several weeks. He's started every game since December 6, though.
The initial toe injury is expected to take some season-long management to keep Garland on the floor. It's good news that this latest injury is on the opposite foot and unrelated to the injury that required surgery. That said, Atkinson couldn't elaborate on whether or not this new injury was a long-term issue.
He said the same thing as-far-as Merrill's ailment is concerned. Merrill suffered a hand injury that forced him from action in the first half on Wednesday night. It's the same hand he injured earlier in the season, which left him sidelined for a month.
According to Cleveland.com, Merrill was seen leaving the locker room after the game with his index finger and middle finger on his right hand splinted.
The injuries come at an inopportune time for the Cavs, as Wednesday's win represented a bounce-back effort following an inexcusable loss to the Utah Jazz earlier in the week.
It's been an ongoing struggle to find consistency for the wine and gold this season, and continued injuries have played a major role in that. Now, Atkinson will attempt to navigate two more at least in the short term.