I finally decide to take one day off this weekend and this is what happens: Pure chaos. You may not have known it, but the Detroit Pistons played and won a basketball game yesterday and play another one tonight.
I have confirmed that basketball is still being played in the NBA and that the league does not exist solely for fake trades that now all seem possible. I’ll have more on the Luka Doncic/Zach LaVine/De’Aaron Fox trades later, as I am still in shock and processing like everyone else.
While all that was going on, the Pistons beat the Bulls, who were missing Zach LaVine, who sat out for personal reasons that turned out to be him house shopping in Sacramento. The Bulls were clearly about to trade him so he sat.
Bogdan Bogdanovic is getting the same treatment tonight, as he too was struck with personal troubles right before a trade deadline when he is almost certainly to be moved. What a coincidence!
This has worked out well for the Pistons, who are getting shorthanded teams on a home stand where they need to stack some wins. The Hawks have lost eight straight and fallen a full three games behind the Pistons, who are currently sitting tied with the Heat for the 6th spot.
With the Bulls, Hawks and Magic all struggling, this would be a great time for the Pistons to put some separation between themselves and the three teams directly behind them in the standings.
The battle for the bottom of the Eastern Conference could be epic this season, as only about half the teams are actively trying to win games.
Piston injuries vs. Hawks: Will Trae Young play tonight?
Jaden Ivey was meant to be re-evaluated in four weeks, which was announced on January 2nd. Given that it is now February 3rd. I’m going to assume that his broken leg is going to keep him out for the season.
It’s a reality I am sure the Pistons are preparing for and the longer we go without an update, the more likely it is.
The Hawks will be missing a slew of players including Kobe Bufkin, Cody Zeller, Jalen Johnson, Clint Capela and Bogdan Bogdanovic, who are all ruled out for tonight’s game.
Trae Young is listed as probable, so he’ll likely suit up and the Hawks still have plenty of firepower to get a win, so this is not one the Pistons can overlook with a big home game against Cleveland lurking on Wednesday.
The Pistons aren’t good enough for “trap” games yet, but this definitely is one.
How to watch Pistons vs. Hawks
You can watch the 7:00 PM ET tip off in Little Caesar’s Arena on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit or listen on 97.1 FM The Ticket.
Streaming options can be found here for those without cable TV.