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Sam Merrill Out with Hamstring Strain, Celtics Seek Bench Scorers

5/7/2026

24 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Merrill Hamstring Injury

Sam Merrill suffered a left-hamstring injury in Game 1 of the semifinals against the Detroit Pistons.
He missed Wednesday’s practice while the team awaited MRI results on the injury.
Merrill logged six minutes, one assist and one turnover before exiting the game.
A hamstring strain at age 29 usually needs seven to ten days of rest, likely sidelining him.
Coach J.B. Bickerstaff must find alternative bench scoring to replace Merrill’s production.

Summary

Pistons Win

The Detroit Pistons won Game 1, 111-101, first playoff opener victory since 2008, while defense forced turnovers with 12 steals and 16 offensive rebounds.
Cleveland forward Donovan Mitchell has scored under 25 points in six games and warned he may need to flop more to draw fouls.
Coach J.B. Bickerstaff called flopping a violation and said the Pistons will keep a small-space style that forces the Cavs to rely on threes.

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Merrill Hamstring Injury

Sam Merrill suffered a left-hamstring injury in Game 1 of the semifinals against the Detroit Pistons.
He missed Wednesday’s practice while the team awaited MRI results on the injury.
Merrill logged six minutes, one assist and one turnover before exiting the game.
A hamstring strain at age 29 usually needs seven to ten days of rest, likely sidelining him.
Coach J.B. Bickerstaff must find alternative bench scoring to replace Merrill’s production.

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