Dean Wade likely to start for Cavaliers playoffs

Apr 10, 2026 4:50 PM

As Cleveland prepares for the postseason, head coach Kenny Atkinson is still evaluating his optimal starting and closing lineups, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.

Dean Wade’s return from a seven-game absence due to an ankle sprain offered a key indication, as he was immediately inserted back into the starting group, boosting his chances of holding that spot in the playoffs.

“We have the data, how good he’s been with that group,” Atkinson said of starting Wade. “We’ve been struggling a little bit defensively. He obviously adds that element and when he makes a three(-pointer) or two like he did, that helps us tremendously.”

Injuries have made lineup consistency difficult, with Wade, Jaylon Tyson, Sam Merrill, and Max Strus all missing time and rarely sharing the floor together.

Atkinson emphasized that player availability will ultimately shape his playoff rotation.

On Wednesday, with Wade limited and Tyson still sidelined due to a toe injury, Merrill was the one who closed the game.

“I feel confident with Sam’s ability,” Atkinson said. “That’s the hard one. You’re going to have probably three, four people to choose from, I would think. You guys are going to say, ‘Why didn’t you play this guy?’ So, we’ve got to make those decisions, we’ve got to make the right decisions under pressure.”