The Detroit Pistons will return home tonight to take on the Atlanta Hawks in the second game of the in-season tournament for East Group A.
The Pistons are at a low point of the season, riding an 8-game losing streak and still missing several key rotation players.
Injuries have certainly played a factor in how this season has played out so far and can’t be discounted, but there are also fair questions about how Troy Weaver handled the offseason, spending most of his cap space on a trade for Joe Harris.
So it’s been a combination of bad luck and poor use of cap space that has gotten the Pistons off to a 2-9 start. Thankfully there is still plenty of season to go and Detroit can start to turn things around tonight with a home win over Atlanta, who could be shorthanded as well.
Is Trae Young playing tonight? Hawks injuries
Star guard Trae Young is listed as questionable (personal reasons) for tonight’s game and will be a game-time decision. Young has averaged 25.5 points, 8.9 assists and 4.1 rebounds in his career vs. Detroit, so it wouldn’t be the worst thing if he had to miss this one.
Kobe Bufkin and Mouhamed Gueye will also be out for the Hawks.
One player we know will be on the floor is Saddiq Bey, who will be making his first appearance at Little Caesar’s Arena since being traded in the ill-fated move for James Wiseman.
Bey rarely misses games, which is the thing the Pistons miss most about him, as their rotation has been decimated with injuries.
Is Jalen Duren playing tonight? Pistons injuries
Unfortunately, the Pistons’ injury list is a lot longer, as they will still be missing five players tonight vs. Atlanta. They did get Alec Burks and Jaden Ivey back last game, which is great news, but will still be missing Jalen Duren, Monte Morris (who is getting close), Bojan Bogdanovic, Joe Harris and Isaiah Livers.
The Hawks swept the season series with the Pistons last season, so it would be nice for Detroit to get a win a home and put themselves back into the mix for the next round of the in-season tournament.
How to watch Pistons vs. Hawks
As usual, the game will be broadcast on Bally Sports Detroit, everyone’s favorite network that always works perfectly! You can also listen on 97.1 FM The Ticket or stream on NBA League Pass if you live outside of the Detroit market.
You can try a free trial at FUBOtv, after which there is a monthly fee for their services.