The Cleveland Cavaliers will not have Jarrett Allen and Sam Merrill for Friday's road matchup against the Washington Wizards, extending their absences and leaving the wine and gold without those two key players for the fifth straight game. Despite the team ruling them out, however, both have made progress this week.

After Thursday's practice, Merrill was wearing a wrap partially on his right hand while going through a workout.

“Really good news,” Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson said, glancing over at Merrill dribbling against two of his assistant coaches. “[He's] actually shooting with his shooting hand, which is a pleasant sight to see.”

Before that, Merrill hadn't been able to do anything with his right hand , which has been swollen and sprained since a reach-in attempt on Bucks su

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