Pistons injuries: Will Jalen Duren and Alec Burks play vs. Pelicans?

Two things became abundantly clear during last night’s horrible loss to the Trail Blazers: The Detroit Pistons aren’t good enough to coast through games and they desperately need Jalen Duren and Alec Burks.

Jalen Duren sat out with a sprained ankle and Alec Burks was a gametime decision with forearm soreness that kept him sidelined as well.

Without Duren, the Pistons were outrebounded for the first time this season and their defense down low wasn’t as good. They also missed some of the easy points he provides, as they struggled offensively in the second half and could have used a few put backs and dunks.

Without Burks, the Pistons lacked a secondary scoring option, which has been a problem all season. All of the burden was put on Cade Cunningham, who was gassed by the end of the game which led to some missed shots and turnovers.

The good news is that the Detroit Pistons won’t have to stew in this awful loss too long, as they are back at it tonight. The bad news is that they have to hit the road to play a good Pelicans team that is coming off a win and they might still be shorthanded.

Pistons injuries: Will Jalen Duren and Alec Burks play vs. Pelicans?

With Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas in the paint, the Detroit Pistons will need a big game from their centers to have a chance in this one. Both Jalen Duren and Alec Burks are still listed as questionable, though there is some hope, as the Pistons still haven’t submitted their official injury report, which indicates they are in wait and see mode.

Bojan Bogdanovic, Monte Morris and Isaiah Livers will still all be out for Detroit, whose season is being affected by copious injuries once again.

The Pelicans will also be shorthanded with Brandon Ingram, Naji Marshall, Jose Alvarado and Trey Murphy III all sidelined with injuries. This would be a great game for Jaden Ivey and Marcus Sasser to have big scoring nights off the bench.

How to watch Pistons vs. Pelicans

I can tell you how NOT to watch the game, turn on Bally Sports! The streaming app was once again down last night, which is unacceptable considering they have a monopoly on the local market and fans have few other options but to turn to illegal streams. This is exactly why I said the league was missing the point when they said they want to crack down on illegal streams. What exactly do you expect fans to do when games are blacked out on NBA League Pass and the local option is garbage?

Anyway, Bally Sports Detroit will get a chance to redeem themselves tonight, or you can listen on 950 AM. When freaking AM radio is your best option for a game as a local, something is wrong with the system.

You can stream on NBA League Pass, but only if you live out of market, or you can get a free trial at FUBOtv.

This would be a great time for the Pistons to consider adopting the streaming plan that the Utah Jazz and others made available for their fans this season, as the frustration last night was palpable.