Cavs’ Sam Merrill out vs Celtics; Darius Garland assigned to Charge

The Cavaliers will be without Sam Merrill on Wednesday in Boston, as the sharpshooter continues to deal with a right hip contusion, per Souichi Terada of MassLive.

Merrill suffered the injury in Monday’s win at Detroit after colliding with Evan Mobley and exited in the third quarter.

“He’s hurting,” coach Kenny Atkinson said, via Spencer Davies of ClutchPoints. “When Sam can’t come back in the game, it’s painful. I think Evan actually hit him in the hip. Somehow they collided.”

Meanwhile, Darius Garland has been assigned to the Cleveland Charge for a conditioning stint as he continues working back from offseason toe surgery.

The All-Star guard remains out but is taking a key step toward a return.

Merrill’s absence comes as he’s been off to a strong start. The Cavs made re-signing him a priority this summer, keeping him on a team-friendly four-year, $38 million contract despite salary-cap pressure.

Early returns have justified the investment.

“Guys just love playing with him,” Atkinson said after Sunday’s win over Milwaukee. “He’s a winner. That’s why we gave him a nice contract this offseason. If there’s ever a guy that deserved it, he’s the guy.”

Merrill started Cleveland’s first four games, averaging double figures while hitting 18 threes. He’s leaned into a leadership role on and off the floor.

“When you’re in a position that I have been in, you want to almost know your place,” Merrill said. “But having been with these guys for three or four years, we all have trust in each other.

“I’m not out here pretending I’m a 10-time All-Star or anything. But I know guys trust in what I have to say, and as long as everyone is on the same page, anyone can say what they need to say.”

The Cavs have won three straight heading into Wednesday’s matchup against the Celtics, but will be short-handed once again.