TORONTO — Some members of the Cavs didn’t bother crossing the border.
Darius Garland (injury management), De’Andre Hunter (rest), Max Strus (recovering from foot surgery), Sam Merrill (sprained hand), Craig Porter Jr. (hamstring) and Jarrett Allen (strained finger) are all out Monday night against the Toronto Raptors. Dean Wade (hyperextended knee) is listed as questionable.
A source told cleveland.com it would be a surprise to see Wade in the lineup after a knee-to-knee collision with Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicola Batum during Sunday’s 120-105 victory. However, Wade flew to Toronto with the team, giving him an outside chance to suit up.
For the heavy-legged Cavaliers, Monday is the second game in a row and the third in four nights. Despite being fined earlier this month for violating the league’s player participation policy, Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson said he won’t change his approach to rest, choosing instead to stick with an overall plan to prioritize health and management during what has been a relentless schedule early in 2025-26.
After Monday’s match against the Raptors, already the fourth different consecutive set, Cleveland will finally be entitled to a break. There are three days off before heading to Atlanta for Friday’s game.
Given the number of injuries and nights off this season, and with the possibility of seven rotation players being unavailable against the Raptors, Atkinson may be forced to use his 11th different starting lineup.
Monday will take place the third – and final – meeting with Toronto this season. The Raptors, currently second in the Eastern Conference and on a seven-game winning streak, won the first two games.
