Cleveland Cavaliers finish preseason as Sam Merrill misses finale

Sam Merrill missed the Cleveland Cavaliers’ preseason finale against the Orlando Magic due to right elbow soreness. While the team has not provided a specific return timetable or identified the cause of the injury, his absence impacted the team's perimeter scoring options during the exhibition game.

In Merrill's absence, the Cavaliers utilized backup guard options including Craig Porter Jr. and Tyrese Proctor. The preseason finale served as a final opportunity for head coach Kenny Atkinson to evaluate rotations and backcourt combinations before the regular season begins on October 22 against Philadelphia.

The Orlando Magic also utilized the matchup to showcase a new offensive approach under head coach Sean Sweeney, emphasizing ball movement and perimeter passing. The game also marked the return of starting point guard Jalen Suggs, who had missed previous preseason games due to illness.