Going into the Game 3 matchup against the Detroit Pistons, the Cleveland Cavaliers have a notable injury concern that continues to linger.
The reserve guard, Sam Merrill, has been dealing with a hamstring concern. It’s a setback that forced an MRI, which seemingly didn’t reveal anything that could be deemed overly concerning. Still, there was a strain diagnosis.
Cavaliers Reveal Sam Merrill’s Official Status
According to the official NBA injury report, Sam Merrill is questionable for Saturday’s Game 3 action in Cleveland, Ohio.
*UPDATE: The Cavaliers have upgraded Sam Merrill. He is available to play in Saturday’s Game 3 matchup.
If Merrill doesn’t get the nod to play, it would mark his second absence during the 2026 NBA Playoffs. For the Cavaliers, they need everybody on board, as they reach desperate times.
During the first-round, seven-game series against the Toronto Raptors, Merrill shot 37.9% from three, averaging 7.6 points per game off the bench.
He appeared in Game 1 against the Pistons. Merrill took the court for just under seven minutes. During that time, he registered just one assist, and turned the ball over once. The Cavaliers played without him in Game 2.
The Cavaliers Are Reaching A Desperate Point
Saturday’s game at home against the Pistons is a must-win for Cleveland.
While the Cavaliers would still trail even after a win, they would get a chance to host Game 4, and have a shot at sending the series back to Detroit tied 2-2.
However, if the Cavaliers can’t grab themselves a victory on Saturday, they’ll be staring at some of the worst odds to have a shot at continuing to play beyond the second round. No team in NBA history has a 0-3 comeback.
The Cavaliers and the Pistons are scheduled for a 3 PM ET tip.