Should be ready for opener Merrill (wrist) won't play in Friday's preseason game against the Bulls but is expected to be available for the regular-season opener against the Raptors next Wednesday, Chris Fedo... Impact Merrill is in a similar situation to Max Strus (hip), as both players have missed the last two preseason games. However, and based on recent reports, both are expected to be available for the regular-season opener on Oct. 23. Merrill has participated in on-court, non-contact, full-speed workouts, so he's trending closer to being fully available. Even when that happens, Merrill shouldn't have a lot of fantasy upside since he'll be nothing more than a depth option on the Cavaliers' bench.
OCTOBER 18 • ROTOWIRE