Both the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic could be missing players tonight, as Franz Wagner is listed as questionable with a calf strain and Kevin Huerter with a left abductor strain.
Obviously, this would be a far bigger blow to the Magic, as Wagner has been good in this series, a big part of what little offense there has been and has done a solid job of defending Cade Cunningham when called upon.
Kevin Huerter has barely played (possibly because he's been hurt), so this is a trade off that favors the Pistons even though no one is cheering for injuries for either team. Huerter is a guy the Pistons may have turned to in game five, as Robinson has been struggling to stay on the floor because of his defense.
If you're the Magic, it would probably be wise to sit Wagner if he is not 100 percent, as they will still have a chance to close the series out at home even if the Pistons manage to win tonight.
If Wagner does have to miss time, it seems like a lucky break for Detroit, but it won't matter if they don't take advantage of it.
The Pistons look overmatched with or without Wagner
The Magic were able to close out game four without Wagner on the court, and he only played 34 games this season, so it's not like they don't know how to play without him.
Also, the Pistons biggest problem has been on offense, as they've held the Magic to 38 percent shooting in the series. Yes, the Pistons' defensive task gets easier if Wagner isn't in there, but Detroit still has to score points to win. They failed to score 90 in the last game and had a hard time even getting a shot off at times.
It won't matter if Wagner is out if the Pistons don't play better and find ways to get buckets, whether it's in transition or simply by guys making more of the open shots they are missing. If won't matter if Wagner is out if Jalen Duren gets dominated by Wendell Carter Jr. again or the Pistons repeatedly allow Desmond Bane wide open 3-point shots.
It won't matter if the Pistons' bench only scores 18 points combined as they did in game four and it certainly won't matter if Detroit coughs up 20 turnovers again. Not to take anything away from the Magic, but many of the Pistons' issues are self-inflicted, so it won't really matter if Wagner isn't out there if Detroit doesn't stop shooting themselves in the foot.
The Pistons can only worry about themselves and the things they can control, and Franz Wagner's injury status does not land on that list.
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