The Detroit Pistons' injury report has reached catastrophic levels going into their game with the Bulls tonight, and they will need a huge game from Daniss Jenkins to have a chance.
Detroit got a shorthanded overtime win against the Wizards but could be missing Cade Cunningham (questionable) and Jalen Duren (probable) to go along with Jaden Ivey, Marcus Sasser, Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart.
Jenkins already had to play hero with two clutch 3-point shots late in regulation, the second of which sent the game to overtime at the buzzer.
If Cunningham is out tonight, Jenkins will likely be thrust into a starting role and may have to take a ton of shots. Could he be the next Malachi Flynn?
Daniss Jenkins needs to do a Malachi Flynn impersonation
Back in April of 2024, the Pistons were sitting on a pathetic 13 wins and trying to ride out the worst season in franchise history. They put the following starting lineup out against the Hawks, which pretty much says everything you need to know:
-Tosan Evbuomwan
-Troy Brown
-Jalen Duren
-Marcus Sasser
-Jaden Ivey
Yikes. Those were rough times.
Rarely used guard Malachi Flynn was forced to come off the bench and ended up playing 34 minutes on his way to one of the most unexpected nights in NBA history.
Flynn exploded for 50 points, the most ever from a Pistons bench player and added six rebounds, five assists and three steals in one of the most unlikely stat lines you’ll ever see.
We could see that kind of usage for Daniss Jenkins tonight if Cade can’t go and maybe even if he can, as Jenkins would likely still play big minutes off the bench.
He’s not going to go for 50, but if he can have a career night, who knows, the Pistons might be able to steal a win, something they weren’t able to do in Flynn’s 50-point game.
Detroit is off to a 9-2 start, which gives them some cushion to absorb these early injuries, most of which seem to be minor. The Pistons have had no reason to rush guys like Tobias Harris back when they are winning anyway.
If they can just withstand this rash of injuries, they will be in good shape, but that cushion will disappear quickly if their regulars have to miss significant time.
Let’s hope that Jenkins summons his inner Malachi Flynn and delivers an unexpected gem tonight, and that the Pistons get a better result.