The Detroit Pistons visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, January 4, with tip-off at 2:00 PM ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Detroit comes in at 25-9, while Cleveland is 20-16 and on a three-game winning streak.
Injuries are a central storyline for both teams, especially in the frontcourt. Detroit will have to make do without Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris, two starters who combined for 31.3 points and 15.2 rebounds per game.
Duren remains out with a sprained right ankle after averaging 17.9 points and 10.6 rebounds over 31 games. Harris is sidelined with a left hip sprain, removing a reliable secondary scorer and floor spacer from the rotation.
The Pistons are also missing Caris LeVert, who is out with left knee tendinopathy, further thinning Detroit’s wing depth. Isaac Jones, Bobi Klintman and Wendell Moore Jr. are unavailable due to G League assignments or mutual status.
Detroit continues to rely heavily on Cade Cunningham, who is averaging 26.6 points and 9.7 assists in 35.8 minutes per game. Ausar Thompson and Isaiah Stewart are expected to take on bigger defensive and rebounding roles with Duren unavailable.
Cleveland’s injury report also brings uncertainty. Jarrett Allen is listed as questionable due to illness, and Dean Wade is questionable due to a left knee contusion, which could affect the Cavaliers’ defensive versatility.
Sam Merrill is questionable with a sprained left ankle after averaging 13.2 points and shooting 42.3 percent from three. His availability would impact Cleveland’s spacing against one of the league’s best teams.
The Cavaliers are already without Larry Nance Jr., who is out with a right calf strain, and Max Strus, who remains sidelined after left foot surgery. Chris Livingston and Luke Travers are also unavailable due to G League designations.
Donovan Mitchell continues to anchor Cleveland’s offense, averaging 29.8 points per game. Evan Mobley adds 17.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks, and his role could expand if Allen can’t play.
Detroit comes into the game coming off a 112-118 loss to Miami on Jan. 1, building momentum after a decisive win over the Lakers. Cleveland is on a three-game winning streak, including a 113-108 victory over Denver on Jan. 2.
This is the first meeting between the Pistons and Cavaliers this season.
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