The Cleveland Cavaliers took a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals after its overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 5. The Cavs have now won three games in a row after falling behind 0-2.
Unfortunately, off the court issues are threatening to completely derail all of Cleveland’s momentum.
“The Cavs are dealing with some illnesses. Atkinson said he had a little “bug.” Sam Merrill was violently ill on the off day between games 4 and 5, as a stomach bug (different from Atkinson’s upper respiratory bug) is also coursing through the team,” reported Joe Vardon.
There is reportedly a STOMACH BUG going around the Cavs locker room, per @joevardon
“The Cavs are dealing with some illnesses. Atkinson said he had a little "bug." Sam Merrill was violently ill on the off day between games 4 and 5, as a stomach bug (different from Atkinson's… pic.twitter.com/BohtJgEopd
— SleeperCavs (@SleeperCleCavs) May 14, 2026
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“I want yall to know this is being reported to have everybody hammer Pistons ML so Vegas can have a feast when the Cavs win at home,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Not one to pray for misfortune but please let mitchell harden mobley sit out per contamination or something,” one Pistons fan added.
“That’s what happens when you spend several days in the nasty city known as Detroit, Michigan,” someone else added.
“Nah fax, I tried to tell the guys not the drink the tap water while we were in Detroit but they didn’t listen,” one fan joked.
Hopefully, Cleveland is fully healthy and ready to compete in time for Game 6 on Friday.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.