The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing an early injury concern as they prepare for a critical Game 2 against the Detroit Pistons. Reserve guard Sam Merrill underwent an MRI on his left hamstring Wednesday after sustaining the injury during Tuesday night's series opener—a tough loss that put Cleveland in an early hole.

Merrill, 29, was held out of practice a day before the Cavs look to even up the second-round matchup on the road. His absence from the practice floor raises questions about his availability and how the team will adjust its rotation in a must-win situation.

In just over six minutes of action in Game 1, Merrill recorded one assist and one turnover—a limited stat line that underscores how quickly the injury struck. The sharpshooting guard had been a steady contributor during the regular season, averaging 12.8 points per game, and he showed flashes of that scoring punch in the first round against the Toronto Raptors, notching double-digit points twice in the seven-game series.

With the series shifting to Detroit, the Cavaliers will need every weapon available to avoid falling into a 2-0 deficit. Whether Merrill can suit up remains the big question as tip-off approaches.