Sam Merrill out of Cavaliers’ preseason finale with right elbow soreness

Sam Merrill was ruled out of Cleveland’s October 13 preseason finale against Orlando with right elbow soreness, according to Cavaliers Nation’s pregame report. The report did not provide a return timetable or confirm his availability for the regular-season opener.

Elbow soreness, no confirmed return date

The update establishes why Merrill was unavailable Tuesday. It does not identify a specific incident that caused the soreness or say whether he will miss another game. A preseason absence should not be read as a confirmed opening-night absence.

Reserve guards get an opportunity

The same report cites Danny Cunningham’s observation that Craig Porter Jr. was the first of Cleveland’s backup guard options to enter Tuesday’s game. Tyrese Proctor also received first-half minutes after not playing in the first half of Sunday’s exhibition.

Those appearances give Kenny Atkinson more evidence as he evaluates his bench. They do not establish that either guard has won a regular-season role, or that the substitution order will remain the same when Merrill is available.

For now, Merrill’s health and Cleveland’s reserve rotation remain separate questions. The reported elbow soreness explains Tuesday’s absence; any longer-term availability decision still needs another update.

For the latest injury listings across the league, see the NBA injuries page, and follow Cleveland updates on the Cavaliers team page.