3 takeaways from the Detroit Pistons 112-99 loss to the Toronto Raptors

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 18: Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons handles the ball against the Toronto Raptors on December 18, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 18: Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons handles the ball against the Toronto Raptors on December 18, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Christian Wood #35 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Christian Wood #35 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Detroit can’t lose Christian Wood

During the second quarter on an offensive possession for Detroit, Christian Wood suffered a non-contact injury and fell to the floor holding his knee. He limped off of the floor and went straight to the locker room, and did not return.

While obviously knee injuries tend to be the scariest in sports, Dwane Casey said after the game that Wood is currently able to walk on his own and will be evaluated tomorrow for a further diagnosis.

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However in a season where seemingly everything has become a worst case scenario for the Pistons, this could be catastrophic. Wood has emerged as a legitimate scoring option for Detroit and despite his occasional lapses on defense he still provides a much needed spark in the frontcourt off the bench. Without him, the Pistons would be forced to defer almost exclusively back to Thon Maker at the backup center position.

Not only would it be cataclysmic for the productivity of the team, but Wood has quickly become a fan favorite in Detroit. The Pistons’ Twitter fan base seemingly spoke his current role into existence with their constant clamoring that he needed an elevated role. (Which he most definitely deserves)

The Pistons could opt to go with smaller lineups and place Markieff Morris at the center spot but that’s happened so infrequently this season that it’s hard to imagine Casey pursing that avenue. Whatever happens with the results of Wood’s evaluation, Pistons fans will be closely watching.