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Guard Sam Merrill was ruled out for Game 2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Detroit Pistons Thursday night with a left hamstring strain.
Merrill was on the court testing the leg during warmups, according to reports, but the team announced he would not play after he returned to the locker room.
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He exited Game 1 on Tuesday after just 6 minutes and 41 seconds. He underwent an MRI on Wednesday and did not practice. Now, the Cavaliers, already down 1-0 in the series, are facing Detroit’s defense without their best shooter.
That’s a big issue for the Cavs.
The Pistons basically dared the Cavaliers to beat them from outside in Game 1. Without Merrill, Cleveland struggled. The Cavs turned the ball over 20 times, and the Pistons converted that into 31 points in the 111-101 win. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden combined for 45 points but also combined for 10 of those turnovers.
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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The NBA playoffs bring out more than high‑stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league’s biggest stage.
See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.
Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The NBA playoffs bring out more than high‑stakes basketball, as stars showcase their sneaker style on the league’s biggest stage.
See the coolest kicks worn during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, where footwear becomes part of the spotlight.
Above, The shoes of Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks are seen during the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 18, 2026, in New York City.
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Coolest kicks of the NBA playoffs as stars show their sneaker style
The shoes of Karl-Anthony Towns #32…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/sam-merrill-playing-tonight-injury-225448811.html
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Publish date : 2026-05-07 22:54:00
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