The Pistons have lost a season-worst 4 games in a row and desperately need a win to turn things around. Tonight, they get an opportunity in Brooklyn for revenge against the Nets, who they just lost to on Saturday night. However, Detroit continues to be without two key players in Ausar Thompson and Caris LeVert.
Thompson is missing another game with an ankle sprain. His absence has been felt in the Pistons' losing streak, as their defense has slipped and they haven't been able to generate as many easy transition baskets. LeVert misses his second straight game with a wrist injury. He's played big minutes off the bench as a secondary playmaker all season, and the Pistons could struggle to replace his role.
The Pistons need to get right despite their injuries
However, the Pistons need to overcome these injuries and regain some momentum heading into the season's final stretch. Losing once to the Nets was bad enough, but losing again - this time with Cade Cunningham playing - would be disastrous for the East's top seed. The Pistons need to get back to their fundamental of strong defense and dominating the paint.
Extending their losing streak puts them at severe risk of falling in the standings and completely changing the playoff picture. Even if a second-seed finish would lead to better matchups in the playoffs, the Pistons don't want to get there with a pitiful losing streak that involves dropping two easy games against a tanking team.
The Nets are dealing with their own injuries
On the other hand, Brooklyn is also missing a few key players. They will be without Egor Demin, Day'Ron Sharpe and Ziaire Williams. Demin was a regular starter as the most promising of the Nets' five rookies, but suffered a season-ending plantar fascia injury. His loss may not impact the standings and outcomes of games too much, but it is a severe blow for Brooklyn's talent evaluation.
Sharpe and Williams are more established players; both are in their fifth seasons. And both had good showings in their last game against the Pistons. Williams had an efficient 23 points while hitting 5 threes. He took advantage of his open looks to punish the Pistons' late defense. Sharpe had 13 points and 7 rebounds of his own, and had surprising success guarding Jalen Duren.
The Nets missing those two in tonight's game should make it an easier matchup for the Pistons. But, as they've come to learn during their current losing streak, it's never a good idea to count out any given NBA opponent. The Pistons need to bring their full effort and secure a win tonight. Hopefully they will get back to full strength soon too.