The Detroit Pistons were at full strength for about three quarters last night after Jerami Grant and Kelly Olynyk both returned from injury.
That didn’t last, as Cade Cunningham went out in the 3rd quarter with what is being called a “hip pointer” and didn’t return.
Neither did the offense, as the Pistons struggled to score after Cade went out and blew a 15-point 3rd-quarter lead to the New Orleans Pelicans, who had lost four in a row.
Unfortunately for the Pistons, Brandon Ingram made his return on the same night as Grant and torched Detroit for 26 points on an array of tough mid-range shots and fade-aways.
The return was a mixed bag for Jerami Grant, who had some nice moments but also showed why there is some fan trepidation about the Pistons’ depth chart and how he will ultimately fit with Cade Cunningham in the offense.
This was a game the Pistons should have won, but we knew there would be some bumps as they tried to readjust to having their full lineup.
Here are three takeaways from a disappointing loss to New Orleans.
Cade Cunningham’s injury status
The most important part of the game is the status of Cade Cunningham, who left the game with a hip pointer.
He did return to the bench, so hopefully the injury is not that serious and the Detroit Pistons were just being cautious with the number one pick.
Even though Cade had only scored six points, the offense took a nasty turn once he left the game, and his defense and rebounding were clearly missed.
Let’s hope the injury isn’t serious and that he won’t miss any time, as Detroit’s offense was completely flat without him in the game.