Sam Merrill Ruled Out for Game 2 Against Pistons with Hamstring Injury

Cleveland Cavaliers reserve guard Sam Merrill is out for Thursday's Game 2 against the Detroit Pistons due to a hamstring strain suffered early in Game 1. A key contributor who averaged 12.8 points during the regular season and provided double-digit scoring in the first round against Toronto, Merrill's absence is a notable blow to Cleveland's perimeter shooting depth as they navigate the second-round series.