RADIO
Jaylon Tyson Misses Fifth Straight Game
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Jaylon Tyson (ankle) is out for Saturday's matchup with the New York Knicks, marking his fifth consecutive absence. Tyson has resumed on-court work, and head coach Kenny Atkinson said he is "progressing well" and that the injury is not expected to be long-term. The 23-year-old averaged 7.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 22.7% from three over his first five games. Mario Hezonja, Tyrese Proctor, and Meleek Thomas should continue seeing opportunities while Tyson is sidelined, but that group could face a tighter rotation once he returns.
Source: Chris Fedor
Source: Chris Fedor
Sam Merrill Misses First Game of the Season
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill (elbow) is out for Saturday's matchup with the New York Knicks after leaving Friday's win over Philadelphia after 13 minutes. Merrill has dealt with the elbow issue since the preseason, and Cleveland is taking a cautious approach after it flared up again. The 30-year-old is a career 39.5% shooter from deep but has connected on just 32.6% of his threes through nine games this season. His absence should create a few more chances for Meleek Thomas and Tyrese Proctor, with Thomas especially worth watching after knocking down 46.9% of his three-point attempts over his first six appearances.
Source: Chris Fedor
Source: Chris Fedor
Sam Merrill Exits Friday's Win with Elbow Injury
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill (elbow) did not return to Friday's 119-95 win over the Philadelphia 76ers after getting hurt in the first half, according to Serena Winters. Merrill made his first start of the season with Jarrett Allen (knee) unavailable and went scoreless with three rebounds and two steals in 13 minutes. The 30-year-old entered Friday averaging 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 34.1 percent from deep. Meleek Thomas replaced Merrill to begin the second half, putting the rookie in position for additional minutes if Merrill misses time.
Source: Serena Winters
Source: Serena Winters
Meleek Thomas Iffy Against Milwaukee
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas (foot) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks after missing Thursday's loss to Atlanta with foot inflammation. The rookie has made an immediate impact since entering the rotation, scoring 16 points with four threes in his NBA debut against Minnesota before adding 10 points against Washington. Thomas is averaging 13.0 points on 58.8 percent shooting in 19.5 minutes through two appearances. With Jaylon Tyson (ankle) already ruled out, Thomas could have room for a larger bench role if he is cleared to play.
Source: Danny Cunningham
Source: Danny Cunningham
Jaylon Tyson to Miss Saturday's Game
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Jaylon Tyson (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Tyson played through a cervical strain Thursday in Atlanta but is now dealing with a sprained ankle. The 23-year-old has had a quiet start to his third season, though he did score 15 points with three triples against Brooklyn after managing three points in the opener. Mario Hezonja and Sam Merrill could pick up more minutes with Tyson sidelined, while Meleek Thomas (foot) would also be in the mix if cleared. Tyson's next chance to return comes Monday against Oklahoma City.
Source: Danny Cunningham
Source: Danny Cunningham
Jaylon Tyson Available Against Hawks
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Jaylon Tyson (neck) is available for Thursday's game against the Atlanta Hawks, Danny Cunningham said. Tyson was added late to the injury report with a cervical strain but has been cleared to play the second half of the back-to-back. The 23-year-old is averaging 9.0 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds while holding a steady role in Cleveland's second unit. Meleek Thomas (foot) is out, which could leave Tyson with a few more opportunities off the bench. Sam Merrill and Mario Hezonja may also benefit from the thinner rotation.
Source: Danny Cunningham
Source: Danny Cunningham
Meleek Thomas Ruled Out Against Hawks
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas (foot) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Atlanta Hawks after being questionable earlier in the day with foot soreness. The rookie had quickly earned a place in Kenny Atkinson's rotation, scoring 16 points in his NBA debut against Minnesota before adding 10 points and a team-high plus-11 in Wednesday's win over Washington. Thomas had played 19 and 20 minutes in those outings, so Cleveland will need to redistribute a meaningful chunk of bench work. Sam Merrill should stay busy, while Craig Porter Jr. and Tyrese Proctor could also get a look with Thomas out.
Source: Serena Winters
Source: Serena Winters
James Harden Scores 24 Points in Preseason Debut
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden scored a game-high 24 points in Sunday's 119-105 preseason win over the Orlando Magic, adding four rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 26 minutes. The 37-year-old shot 7-for-10 from the field, 3-for-5 from three, and 7-for-9 at the line after missing Thursday's opener with right ankle soreness. Harden made his first five shots and showed little rust in his return. He averaged 20.5 points and 7.7 assists in 26 games with Cleveland last season, and Sunday's performance was an encouraging reminder that he can still provide plenty of scoring alongside Donovan Mitchell.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Donovan Mitchell 100 Percent Committed to Cavs
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell is "100 percent committed" to the organization, fellow Cavs guard Sam Merrill stated, per Daniel Chavkin of The Sporting News. Mitchell agreed to a four-year, $273 million maximum contract extension in the offseason. He averaged 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists last campaign, leading the Cavs to the Eastern Conference Finals. The 30-year-old will remain Cleveland's go-to offensive weapon, making him a strong fantasy option this upcoming season.
Source: Daniel Chavkin
Source: Daniel Chavkin
Sean McNeil Signs Camp Deal with Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers signed guard Sean McNeil (calf) to a training camp contract Tuesday, according to Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot, keeping him in the organization after two seasons with the Cleveland Charge. The 28-year-old averaged 10.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 24.0 minutes across 30 regular-season games last year, up from 4.2 points in 2024-25. He also knocked down 2.1 threes per game at a 42.3 percent clip. McNeil ended last season inactive with a calf injury, and Cleveland owns his G-League rights, making another stint with the Charge a realistic outcome. He remains off the fantasy radar unless he earns a meaningful NBA role.
Source: Paul Garcia
Source: Paul Garcia
Bruce Brown Linked to Cavaliers in Free Agency
Free-agent guard/forward Bruce Brown has been linked to the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Zach Weiss of SI, who cited Cleveland.com's Terry Pluto. Brown spent last season back with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steals in 24.4 minutes across 82 games while shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three. Cleveland could have a roster spot to fill if it waives or trades Cam Whitmore, and Brown would bring low-usage wing depth with past ties to James Harden and Jarrett Allen from Brooklyn. The fantasy appeal would be limited, though, with Brown likely ticketed for a bench role behind Cleveland's established rotation unless injuries open steady minutes.
Source: Zach Weiss
Source: Zach Weiss
Max Strus Earns Praise From Lawrence Frank
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Max Strus received a strong endorsement from president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank, who called him "a big part" of the team's plans after the trade from Cleveland. Frank praised Strus as a shooter with feel who can handle, pass, and fit into different lineup groups. The veteran wing gives Los Angeles another floor spacer after shooting 37.0 percent from three across his NBA career. His 2025-26 regular season was derailed by a left foot Jones fracture, but he returned in the playoffs and averaged 9.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.1 threes across 18 games. Strus should get clean catch-and-shoot chances next to Darius Garland, though his fantasy value still depends on minutes and shot volume in a crowded Clippers rotation.
Source: Joey Linn
Source: Joey Linn
James Harden Returns to Cavaliers on Three-Year, $97 Million Deal
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden has agreed to a three-year, $97 million fully guaranteed contract to stay in Cleveland, with a third-year player option and 15% trade kicker. The former MVP returns as the Cavaliers' primary ball-handler after averaging 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 threes in 26 regular-season games with the team. The fantasy appeal remains tied to assists, scoring, and three-point volume, though turnovers are still part of the package after Harden gave it away 4.7 times per game in the playoffs. With his role settled, he remains a reliable early-round guard.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Tre Mann Traded to Wizards
The Washington Wizards are acquiring guard Tre Mann, a 2027 second-round pick from the Clippers, and cash from the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Washington is sending Cam Whitmore to Cleveland and Julian Reese to Denver as part of the expanded multi-team trade that also moves Peyton Watson to Cleveland and Max Strus to the LA Clippers. Mann gives Washington another backcourt option after the Wizards have been searching for guard depth. The 25-year-old averaged 5.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 12.6 minutes across 53 games last season, struggling to find steady footing in a limited role. A change of scenery could help, but Washington's backcourt is still crowded enough to cap his fantasy appeal. Mann is only worth tracking if injuries open a clearer path to minutes.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Max Strus Traded to the Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are acquiring guard/forward Max Strus in the multi-team deal that sends Peyton Watson to Cleveland, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The veteran wing gives the Clippers another floor spacer after shooting 37.0 percent from three across his NBA career. Strus' 2025-26 regular season was derailed by a left foot Jones fracture, limiting him to 12 games, but he returned for the playoffs and averaged 9.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.1 threes across 18 contests. He profiles as a useful movement shooter in Los Angeles, though his fantasy value will depend on whether he can carve out enough minutes and shot volume in a crowded rotation.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
