Cavs’ Sam Merrill exits win over Pistons with hip injury

Sam Merrill exited in the third quarter of the Cavaliers’ 116-95 win over the Pistons on Monday with a right hip contusion and did not return.

The injury occurred earlier in the game when Merrill collided with Evan Mobley. Coach Kenny Atkinson said it appears to be a hip pointer, calling it painful but not yet fully evaluated.

“He’s hurting,” Atkinson said, via Ethan Sands of Cleveland.com. “When Sam can’t come back in the game, it’s hurting. I think Evan hit him in the hip. Those are painful. We’ll see.”

Merrill was seen walking with a limp after the game, Sands reported. The sixth-year guard has been one of Cleveland’s early bright spots, hitting 18 three-pointers in four games.

“He’s probably been our best player over the first three games,” Atkinson said after Sunday’s win over Milwaukee.

Merrill missed most of the preseason with an abductor strain and had just started to regain rhythm. His injury adds to a growing list that includes Darius Garland (toe), Max Strus (foot) and Lonzo Ball (injury management).

The Cavs (3-1) have won three straight and will visit the Celtics on Wednesday.

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