Sam Merrill Injures Hip in Cavs' Win Over Pistons

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill sustained a right hip injury during the third quarter of Monday night’s 116-95 win over the Detroit Pistons. Merrill had been playing through discomfort after a collision in the first half, where he appeared to hold his hip but continued playing until the Cavs decided to be cautious. Head coach Kenny Atkinson described the injury as a likely hip pointer, a painful condition that may require some time to heal. Merrill’s injury is particularly untimely, as he had been one of the team’s standout players during the early part of the 2025-26 season.

Merrill’s performance had been impressive in the first week of the season, making significant contributions on both offense and defense. His strong start included 18 made three-pointers over four games, and he had been given more freedom to contribute both on and off the ball. Despite Merrill’s positive impact, the injury raises concerns about his availability as the Cavs prepare for their next games, including a matchup with the Boston Celtics.

Atkinson expressed concern over Merrill’s ability to return quickly, noting that if the swingman could not return to the game after the injury, it was a clear sign of the pain he was experiencing. While the Cavs hope the injury won’t sideline Merrill for too long, the timing of the injury is frustrating, especially given his early-season success. The team will need to adjust if Merrill is forced to miss games, but the return of De’Andre Hunter provides some relief.

As Merrill recovers, the Cavaliers will be looking to maintain their strong start to the season, but they’ll be doing so without one of their key contributors if the injury lingers. The team remains optimistic about his recovery, but for now, Merrill’s status is uncertain heading into their next games.

1. Injury Details and Impact

Sam Merrill’s injury occurred during the third quarter of the Cavs’ game against the Detroit Pistons, when he appeared to take a hit to his right hip. Merrill continued to play through the discomfort until the team opted to be cautious and held him out for the remainder of the game. Head coach Kenny Atkinson later described the injury as a hip pointer, which can be a painful condition, particularly when there’s an impact on the hip. While the team initially did not provide specifics on the severity of the injury, the decision to keep Merrill out of the game suggested the issue was significant enough to warrant caution. Atkinson’s description of the injury aligns with typical symptoms of a hip pointer, an injury often caused by a direct blow to the hip area. The injury can vary in severity, but it typically requires rest and rehabilitation before a player can return to full activity. Given that the team is still assessing Merrill’s condition, it’s likely he will be reevaluated over the next few days to determine if he can return sooner than expected. Merrill’s injury is particularly unfortunate, as he had been playing exceptionally well to start the season. Known for his shooting, he had connected on 18 three-pointers in just four games, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively. Beyond scoring, Merrill had also been active in other areas, including playmaking, screening, and defending, showing his versatility and value to the team. The Cavs are hopeful that Merrill’s hip injury will not sideline him for an extended period, but the timing of the injury raises questions about how the team will adjust. Without Merrill, the Cavaliers will need to find other ways to replace his offensive and defensive contributions.

2. Merrill’s Strong Start to the Season

Before the injury, Sam Merrill was having one of his most productive stretches since joining the Cavaliers. The 29-year-old swingman had been given a more expansive role this season, not only as a reliable shooter but also as a contributor in various other areas. Merrill had knocked down 18 three-pointers in his first four games, providing the Cavs with much-needed scoring from the perimeter. His shooting efficiency and ability to spread the floor had helped create space for other key players on the roster, including star guard Darius Garland. Merrill’s increased role also extended to his playmaking duties. Coach Atkinson allowed him to bring the ball up the floor, set screens, and initiate certain possessions. His versatility in these areas made him a key part of the team’s offense, and his confidence had grown since being given more responsibility. Defensively, Merrill had been one of the team’s most reliable pressure players, providing solid defense against larger opponents and executing crucial box outs on the boards. Atkinson was full of praise for Merrill’s efforts early in the season, describing him as “probably our best player” over the first few games. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively made him one of the more well-rounded players on the roster. Merrill had become an integral part of the Cavs’ success, and his strong start was a big reason why the team had been performing well to begin the season. While his injury is disappointing, Merrill’s early-season performance has shown that he can be a key contributor for the Cavs moving forward. The hope is that this injury will be a minor setback and that he will be able to return to action quickly.

3. Cavs’ Adjustments Moving Forward

With Merrill’s injury casting uncertainty over his availability, the Cavaliers will need to adjust their lineup and offensive strategy. Veteran guard and new addition De’Andre Hunter, who recently returned to the team, will provide some relief, especially with his scoring ability and experience. Hunter’s presence will be important as the Cavs navigate this period without Merrill. Head coach Kenny Atkinson stressed the importance of a team effort to fill the gap left by Merrill’s absence. “We don’t need anyone to try to step into his shoes exclusively,” Atkinson said, emphasizing the need for a collective effort. The team will rely on other players to step up, whether it’s through scoring, playmaking, or defense. Garland, Evan Mobley, and others will need to carry more of the load while Merrill recovers. Merrill’s injury also highlights the importance of depth for the Cavaliers. With several key players contributing to the team’s success early in the season, the Cavs have a solid foundation to withstand setbacks. The team’s ability to adjust and find contributions from multiple sources will be critical as they look to stay competitive without Merrill in the lineup. As Merrill works through his recovery, the Cavaliers will look to maintain their strong start to the season and continue performing at a high level. If the team can weather this short-term loss, they will be even stronger when Merrill returns to the lineup.