20Breakdown
Performance
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January 9, 2026
Provides spark off bench
Merrill chipped in 22 points (7-13 FG, 5-11 3Pt, 3-3 FT), two rebounds, three assists and one steal across 31 minutes during Thursday's 131-122 loss to the Timberwolves.
Analysis
Merrill reverted to a bench role Thursday after starting in each of the Cavaliers' prior two games, but he still gave his team a nice scoring punch and finished with the second-most points on Cleveland behind Donovan Mitchell (30). It was the fourth game in which Merrill scored 20-plus points in a game, and he tied a season high he has reached twice before. He has scored in double digits in seven of his last eight outings, and over that span he has averaged 15.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 4.0 threes and 0.9 steals over 27.3 minutes per game.
January 9, 2026
Moving to bench
Merrill will come off the bench Thursday night against Minnesota.
Analysis
Merrill will return to a bench role after making two straight starts. He found success in his last appearance as a reserve, finishing with 16 points in 23 minutes Dec. 31 against Phoenix.
January 7, 2026
Drains six triples vs. Indiana
Merrill provided 19 points (6-12 FG, 6-10 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds and two assists over 31 minutes during Tuesday's 120-116 victory over the Pacers.
Analysis
Merrill tied a season high with six triples during Tuesday's win, and his plus-five point differential was the highest among the starters. He has started in each of Cleveland's last two games, but he would likely revert to a bench role against the Timberwolves on Thursday if Donovan Mitchell (rest) is cleared to return. Merrill should retain a strong role in the Cavaliers' rotation regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench.
January 5, 2026
Sinks five treys in loss
Merrill supplied 15 points (5-8 FG, 5-7 3Pt), three rebounds, two assists and one steal over 27 minutes before fouling out of Sunday's 114-110 loss to the Pistons.
Analysis
Returning from a one-game absence due to a minor ankle issue and moving back into the starting lineup for the first time since Dec. 27, Merrill lit it up from long range. The 29-year-old wing has drained multiple three-pointers in five of his last six games (four starts), averaging 13.7 points, 3.5 threes, 3.0 boards, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steals in 26.0 minutes per game during that span.
January 4, 2026
Entering starting five
Merrill is in the Cavaliers' starting lineup against the Pistons on Sunday.
Analysis
Merrill was able to shrug off a left ankle injury to play Sunday, and he'll make his 12th start of the season due to the absence of Jarrett Allen (illness). As a starter this season, Merrill is averaging 15.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 3.7 threes and 0.8 steals over 26.0 minutes per game.
January 4, 2026
Available to play
Merrill (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Pistons, Spencer Davies of SI.com reports.
Analysis
Merrill will return from a one-game absence, and he could see a slight uptick in minutes with Jarrett Allen (illness) unavailable. On the season, Merrill is averaging 13.2 points, 2.5 assists and 3.3 triples per contest.
January 4, 2026
Trending toward playing Sunday
Merrill (ankle) is still listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Pistons but is trending toward being available, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis
Merrill missed Friday's win over the Nuggets due to a left ankle sprain, but the sixth-year pro is on the right track to return for Sunday's game. His return would mean less minutes to go around for Lonzo Ball, Craig Porter and De'Andre Hunter.
January 3, 2026
Iffy for Sunday
Merrill (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Pistons.
Analysis
Merrill is considered day-to-day after missing Friday's game against the Nuggets. If Merrill is unable to give it a go, there will be more minutes available for guys like Jaylon Tyson and Craig Porter.