The Cavaliers will be shorthanded as they have three rotation players listed on the injury report ahead of their 7 p.m. Wednesday game against the Celtics. Darius Garland (toe surgery), Max Strus (left foot surgery) and Sam Merrill (right hip contusion) are all out, as is two-way wing Nae’Qwan Tomlin.
Garland and Strus have yet to play this season due to their respective surgeries. It’s unclear when they could be back on the court. Merrill suffered his hip contusion against the Pistons on Monday as he’ll miss his first game. He’s had a red-hot start to the season, averaging 17.3 points through four games while shooting 51.4% from 3.
The Celtics are expected to be at full strength as Jaylen Brown is probable for Wednesday’s game. He’s dealt with a hamstring strain to open the season, but the C’s star has played through the ailment. Jayson Tatum remains out with his Achilles injury as it’s unclear if he’ll play this season at all.
Wednesday’s game should be a tough test for the Celtics, who are 1-3 to start the season. The Cavs come into this year with title expectations after winning 64 games last season. Cleveland is off to a 3-1 start, coming off a blowout win over the Pistons on Monday.
The Celtics are also in the middle of a five-games-in-seven-days stretch that will put some stress on their roster. But they do have a chance to win their first home game after falling by one point to the 76ers on opening night.
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