Breakdown
Performance
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May 9, 2026
Officially cleared for Game 3
Merrill (hamstring) is available for Saturday's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals versus Detroit, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis
Merrill didn't play in Game 2 because of a left hamstring strain. However, after trending favorably Saturday, the 29-year-old is now officially cleared to return from his one-game absence. Merrill has averaged 6.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.4 steals across 18.5 minutes in eight postseason games. Although he hasn't been a reliable producer, his presence could mean Max Strus, Dean Wade and Dennis Schroder will see less work.
May 9, 2026
On track to suit up Saturday
Merrill (hamstring) is trending favorably regarding his availability for Saturday's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Detroit, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis
Merrill didn't suit up for Game 2 because of a left hamstring strain. Although he is currently listed as questionable, it appears he will return from his one-game absence Saturday. Merrill has appeared in eight games this postseason, averaging 6.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.4 steals across 18.5 minutes. While he hasn't been the most productive, his presence could at least mean Max Strus, Dean Wade and Dennis Schroder will see fewer minutes.
May 8, 2026
Listed as questionable for Saturday
Merrill (hamstring) is questionable for Saturday's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Pistons.
Analysis
Merrill remains day-to-day after picking up a hamstring strain in Game 1. He was unable to appear in Game 2, and the Cavaliers could turn to Dennis Schroder and Max Strus if he misses additional time.
May 7, 2026
Ruled out for Game 2
Merrill (hamstring) won't play in Thursday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Pistons, Danny Cunningham of Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan Cleveland reports.
Analysis
Merrill picked up a left hamstring injury during Game 1, and he'll be forced to miss at least one additional matchup while on the mend. Look for Max Strus and Dennis Schroder to be in the mix for an uptick in minutes due to Merrill being sidelined Thursday.
May 6, 2026
Questionable for Game 2
Merrill is questionable for Wednesday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a left hamstring strain.
Analysis
The Cavaliers are giving the sharpshooter a chance to play Thursday after he suffered the injury in Game 1. Jaylon Tyson and Dennis Schroder could see extra minutes off the bench in Game 2 if Merrill is unable to suit up.
May 6, 2026
Undergoes MRI on hamstring
Merrill (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday, per Danny Cunningham of Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan Cleveland.
Analysis
Merrill left Tuesday's loss to the Pistons in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a left hamstring injury, and the Cavaliers are awaiting his MRI results to determine the severity. If the sharpshooter is unable to play in Game 2, Jaylon Tyson and Dennis Schroder could see more playing time off the bench.
May 6, 2026
Doesn't return Tuesday
Merrill (hamstring) did not return to Tuesday's 111-101 loss to the Pistons in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, finishing with one assist in seven minutes.
Analysis
Merrill was able to finish the first quarter but never checked back in due to a left hamstring injury. The Cavaliers are expected to provide an update on his status by Wednesday night ahead of Game 2 on Thursday.
May 5, 2026
Questionable to return Tuesday
Merrill is questionable to return to Tuesday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Pistons due to a left hamstring injury, Danny Cunningham of Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan Cleveland reports.
Analysis
Merrill played the final 6:41 of the first quarter before exiting to the locker room. If the sharpshooter is unable to return, Max Strus and Jaylon Tyson will likely help pick up the slack.
May 5, 2026
Exits to locker room
Merrill (undisclosed) exited to the locker room after the first quarter of Tuesday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Pistons, Danny Cunningham of Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan Cleveland reports.
Analysis
Merrill played the final 6:41 of the opening quarter before heading back to the locker room with a member of the medical staff. It's unclear why he left the floor, and he can be considered questionable to return until more information comes to light.