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Thompson got a chance to become a regular rotation player for small stints last year because of injuries. He averaged 3.3 points an 3.6 rebounds per contest. He likely won’t be a key piece when the Cavs are healthy.

Usually, James Harden (nine points, five rebounds and six assists) shooting 2-of-10 from the field would spell doom for his team. That wasn’t the case on Sunday, with Merrill’s performance among the reasons why. Shooting 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, Merrill was one of four Cavaliers to finish the 125-94 rout with at least 20 points. Max Strus (9/2/2/3 with one three-pointer) was the fifth starter on Sunday, replacing Dean Wade, but there’s room for Merrill to step up as well. Cleveland visits New York on Tuesday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

As he did in Cleveland’s first-round series against Toronto, Allen saved his best for last as the Cavs earned their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2018. The Cavaliers’ starting center thoroughly outplayed Jalen Duren, and his stat line lacked only a three-pointer. In the Game 7 win over Toronto in the first round, Allen put up 22 points, 19 rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Things won’t get easier for Allen and the Cavaliers, as they visit the Knicks in Game 1 of the conference finals on Tuesday.

The Cavaliers have changed their starting lineup for Game 7, with Strus replacing Dean Wade. Strus offers a higher offensive ceiling, and he can also take on the task of defending Cade Cunningham. The other four starters are unchanged.

Huerter was available for Game 6 but did not play after aggravating his strained adductor during Game 5. Given the lack of playing time, his role is likely to be limited for Game 7.