The Detroit Pistons have added Duncan Robinson to an injury report that already included Caris LeVert and Kevin Huerter, with all three listed as questionable for tonight’s critical Game 5 against the Cavaliers.
Huerter hasn’t appeared at all in this series, so no surprise there. Even if he were fully fit, it’s doubtful coach Bickerstaff would throw him straight into high-pressure minutes after such a long layoff.
LeVert was questionable before the last game, then went out and delivered his best performance of the season. Hopefully, his name on the injury list is just a formality, and he can replicate that effort for Detroit tonight.
Duncan Robinson is a new addition due to a back issue. If he’s unavailable, the Pistons will need to reach deep into their bench to keep their season alive.
If Robinson can’t go, somebody else must rise to the occasion. These three are arguably Detroit’s top scorers off the bench. Losing all of them would be a major problem, putting even more pressure on a starting unit that has underperformed lately.
This would be an ideal moment for Jalen Duren to explode for 30 points. If that doesn’t happen, the Pistons will need unexpected heroes.
Marcus Sasser scored seven points in just three minutes of garbage time last game. He’s a player Bickerstaff has trusted before when injuries piled up. Sasser started five games this season, averaging nearly 10 points while shooting 48% from three. He can also create his own shot something Detroit has sorely missed in this series. So if Robinson is out and Bickerstaff wants to keep his bench rotation steady, turning to Sasser makes sense. He could provide a much-needed offensive spark, possibly even in the starting five.
Javonte Green could also start, but he’s struggled on both ends of the floor in this series. Given that, I’d much rather see Sasser get a chance if Bickerstaff has to go deep into his bench.
The Pistons have dealt with injuries all season by stepping up when needed, and there’s no bigger test than a must-win playoff game with their season on the line.
We’ll hope Robinson and LeVert can play, but Detroit does have options. One of them must seize the moment for the Pistons to survive at home.
Detroit already wasted one great game from LeVert. If another bench player steps up this time, they have to turn it into a win.
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