The Detroit Pistons are wrapping up their preseason on a rather somber note, with the announcement that guard Jaden Ivey will miss at least four weeks after undergoing a procedure on his knee to alleviate discomfort just hours before the tip-off of their preseason finale against the Washington Wizards.
As if playing the Wizards wasn’t depressing enough.
The good news, I suppose, is that the Pistons will have Cade Cunningham and Caris LeVert back in the lineup. With some reflection, that is actually
great news and who gives a s—- news.
Game Vitals
When: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons -5.5
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Analysis
It’s still awfully cloudy what the Detroit Pistons plan to do with their regular lineup and bench rotations. The loss of Jaden Ivey for an extended period just makes that doubly confusing. Most immediately, it opens up wing minutes for Ron Holland and Duncan Robinson. Regarding backup point guard, it allows Marcus Sasser a throughline to some more consistent minutes. Unless and until Dannis Jenkins is able to surplant Sasser. The two-way guard is not nearly the scoring threat that Sasser is, but he’s clearly the superior point guard as a distributor and someone who can run the offense. He also plays better defense.
LeVert has played only one (terrible) game for the Pistons this preseason. Hopefully tonight he can wash some of that stink off and play his brand of all-around helpful basketball. He could be someone the Pistons look to as a bench distributor so it’s important for him to not continue being awful.
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (1-2)
Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
Washington Wizards (1-3)
Bub Carrington, CJ McCollum, Khris Middleton, Kyshawn George, Alex Sarr
