The Detroit Pistons host the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, with questions about the status of Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson. The trio missed Monday’s blockbuster clash against the OKC Thunder due to injury management. Duren was doubtful, while Robinson and Harris were questionable before being ruled out.
Duren is managing a right knee injury, which ruled him out on Monday. However, it seemed like a precautionary call as Detroit looks to keep its key players fresh ahead of a potential first-round series without Cade Cunningham, who is out with a lung collapse issue. Duren could return on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Harris and Robinson are managing hip injuries, so they are likely to return as well. Isaiah Stewart was the other confirmed absentee alongside Cade Cunningham. Stewart is nursing a calf injury and has missed the last nine games. On Saturday, Stewart got cleared to resume on-court activities, inching closer to his return.
Ausar Thompson was another player on the injury list, but the former lottery pick appeared in Monday’s game against the Thunder. Thompson was questionable due to an ankle injury. He got upgraded to available. He could be day-to-day to play on the second night of a back-to-back.
Detroit Pistons nearly stun OKC Thunder amid injury crisis
The Detroit Pistons only had one starter – Ausar Thompson – playing in Monday’s clash against the OKC Thunder. They were without him in overtime after he fouled out in the fourth quarter. Despite being this shorthanded, Detroit was a possession or two away from stealing a well-deserved upset over the Thunder.
Paul Reed was solid with 21 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks on 7 of 13 shots. Meanwhile, Javonte Green added 19 with five rebounds and two steals, while knocking down five 3-pointers. Four others scored in double-digits. Detroit did most of the damage on defense, limiting OKC to 10 3-pointers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the only player who could work his way around the Pistons defense, dropping 47 points on 12 of 19 shots. No other player managed more than 13.
With a much healthier roster likely to take the court on Tuesday, the Detroit Pistons will hope to bounce back.
