The Detroit Pistons have been on a tear, winning five of its last six games. Unfortunately that may be coming to an end, as the team has been hit by the injury bug yet again. This time, it’s Blake Griffin, who will be out at least one week with a bone bruise on his ankle.
The Detroit Pistons essentially need to win its last seven games–and then get help from the Milwaukee Bucks too–to make the playoffs.
UPDATE:
— Martin (@ImMartinHi) March 31, 2018
If you were curious on the Pistons playoff chances; here you go.
MIL 0-6 DET 6-1
MIL 1-5 DET 7-0
MIA 0-6 DET 7-0
WAS 0-7 DET 7-0
Miami and Washington need 1 win(or a Pistons loss) to clinch. Milwaukee needs 2 wins to clinch.
In other words, it was already a tall task, a task that will get even taller with news that Blake Griffin will be out at least one week with a bone bruise injury to his ankle.
"Just when the Pistons were starting to get healthy and rack up a few wins, they got another injury.And it’s a big one.The team announced Friday morning that Blake Griffin has a bone bruise in his right ankle and will be out for a week, at which time his status will be re-evaluated."
I guess the silver lining for Pistons fans is that this team looks very competitive when healthy. Moreover, the Pistons will likely finish the season with one of the lowest lottery positions in the NBA draft this offseason, which makes it a little easier to stomach not having a first round pick.
Right now, the team is projected to finish with the 12th pick, and that would likely hold up, assuming the Pistons miss the playoffs, with the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers about 4.5 games ahead of the Pistons.
Even more exciting, the Pistons would still have a chance to land a top three pick, albeit just a 2.5% chance. That would allow the Pistons to retain its first round pick this season, and would give a team strapped for cash like the Pistons, one more opportunity to pair a strong asset with this core.
The Pistons have been very entertaining since Reggie Jackson returned to the lineup.
Next: A couple of Pistons legends inducted into Hall of Fame
Whatever happens, I am glad there is at least hope that this team can be competitive next season, assuming the team stays healthy, which is a big assumption.