NBA: Struggling Cavs might be without Sam Merrill for Game 2 vs. Pistons

The Cleveland Cavaliers could head into Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Thursday night without one of their key perimeter threats after guard Sam Merrill suffered a left hamstring injury.

Merrill underwent an MRI exam on Wednesday following the Cavaliers’ 111-101 loss to the host Detroit Pistons in Game 1. His availability remains uncertain as Cleveland tries to avoid falling into an 0-2 series deficit.

The veteran sharpshooter exited Tuesday’s opener after just 6:41 of playing time and did not participate in Wednesday’s practice at Little Caesars Arena while awaiting scan results. Merrill shot 42.1% from three-point range during the regular season and has emerged as an important spacing option for Cleveland’s offense.

“I don’t want to give you anything definite,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “We need to make threes to win this series. They pack the paint and we’ve got to make threes. He’s a big part of that. Hoping he’s back.”

Merrill enjoyed a breakout campaign, averaging a career-high 12.8 points in 26.5 minutes per game while connecting on three three-pointers per contest. His absence would further challenge a Cavaliers offense that committed 20 turnovers in Game 1, leading to 31 Detroit points.

“You can’t replace what Sam brings,” said Jaylon Tyson. “He’s our best shooter. He draws a lot of attention just because of how he shoots the ball. Somebody has to step up.”

With Merrill sidelined for most of the opener, Atkinson turned to Jaylon Tyson, Keon Ellis and Max Strus, who combined for 22 points and five made threes in extended minutes.

“We’ll probably have to lean on those guys if Sam isn’t back right away,” Atkinson said.

The Cavaliers also need more production from star guard Donovan Mitchell, who has scored fewer than 25 points in six straight games and attempted just two free throws in Game 1. After the loss, Mitchell suggested he may need to “flop” more to draw foul calls.

Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who previously coached Cleveland, responded Wednesday with a firm stance on the issue.

“Donovan is very intelligent,” Bickerstaff said. “It’s all messaging. Our messaging is that flopping is a violation.”

The Pistons controlled much of Game 1 with physical defense, recording 12 steals, 16 offensive rebounds, and consistently turning Cavaliers turnovers into fast-break opportunities.

“It’s always physicality,” Bickerstaff said. “As long as we’re allowed to be aggressive, it helps us put people in tough positions. Then you’ve got to play through contact.”

Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 23 points and seven assists, while Jalen Duren added 11 points and 12 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass.

If Merrill is unable to play in Game 2, Cleveland will face even greater pressure against a Detroit defense that has already shown its ability to disrupt rhythm, force mistakes, and challenge the Cavaliers to consistently score from the perimeter. -Field Level Media/Reuters