The Detroit Pistons have just four games left before the playoffs and things are not exactly going to plan depending on who you ask.
Both the Pacers and Bucks have now won four in a row and Indiana is the second-hottest team in the Eastern Conference behind the Celtics, who have won nine of their last 10.
The Pacers are also mostly healthy, so it might not be the worst thing if the Pistons stick at the 6th seed, though the Knicks are also playing well and just got Jalen Brunson back.
I do not think the Pistons are being cagey when it comes to injuries and holding guys out for these last few games, as being 100 percent healthy is more important than wins right now, as Detroit isn’t going to catch Indiana, so won’t be hosting a playoff series regardless of who they play.
With all three teams (Bucks, Pacers, Knicks) providing ample matchup challenges for the Pistons, it doesn’t really matter the opponent in the first round, but claiming the 5-seed would allow Detroit to potentially avoid Boston.
The biggest concern is that the Pistons looked rusty and out of sorts in their last game against Memphis and will be shorthanded again tonight against the Kings. It would be nice to get their full complement of players back to head into the playoffs on a roll as their likely first-round opponents are all playing well.
Pistons injuries vs. Kings: Is Jalen Duren playing tonight?
Of chief concern is the health status of Jalen Duren, as the Pistons need the easy buckets he gets at the rim to go along with his rebounding. They were outrebounded handily by the Grizzlies, and it was obvious the team missed Duren.
The good news is that he has been upgraded to questionable for tonight’s game along with Tobias Harris. The Pistons really need to get these two back for a couple of games before the playoffs, so that everyone can be in a rhythm and on the same page.
Jaden Ivey is still out for at least another week as we await his latest update. We’ll likely soon whether there’s any chance he returns this season.
Both Keegan Murray and Jake LaRavia are listed as day-to-day for the Kings.
How to watch Pistons vs Kings
You can watch tonight’s 7:00 PM ET tip-off on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit Extra, NBA TV or listen on 950 AM.
For streaming options, click here.