Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor has outlined how the Cleveland Cavaliers may line up to start the 2025-26 season, with injuries forcing adjustments to the projected rotation.
Max Strus was initially set to start at small forward, but he recently underwent surgery for a Jones fracture in his left foot. While the team provided a three-to-four month recovery window, Fedor noted that the injury could sideline him for closer to half the season.
All-Star guard Darius Garland is also expected to miss time as he continues his recovery from offseason toe surgery. His absence, combined with Strus’ setback, leaves the Cavaliers without two starters to begin the campaign.
Sam Merrill, who re-signed on a four-year, $38 million deal this summer, is the most likely candidate to fill in at shooting guard, according to Fedor. Merrill, the final pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, will be asked to carry a bigger role until Garland returns.
At forward, Dean Wade is positioned to step into the starting five. Fedor added that head coach Kenny Atkinson may prefer to keep De’Andre Hunter in a sixth-man role, giving the second unit a needed scoring option.
Second-year guard Jaylon Tyson is another name to watch. Drafted 20th overall in 2024, Tyson was already expected to see more minutes, and Strus’ injury opens the door for him to become a key part of the rotation.
Offseason trade acquisition Lonzo Ball will also be in the mix. The 27-year-old guard, who returned to action last season after missing more than two years with a knee issue, played in 35 games for Chicago before being dealt to Cleveland in June. His availability will be crucial given the current backcourt injuries.
The Cavaliers’ “core four” of Donovan Mitchell, Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen remains the centerpiece, but until Garland and Strus return, the supporting cast will play an outsized role in keeping Cleveland competitive in the Eastern Conference.
