The Detroit Pistons, owners of the Eastern Conference’s best record, dropped their second consecutive game Thursday night, falling 117-102 to the Spurs in San Antonio and losing starting wing Ausar Thompson to a right ankle sprain just two minutes into play.
“Ausar obviously means a lot to us,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters post-game. “What he does defensively, the impact he has—you miss that. We have to figure out a way collectively to pick it up.”
Thompson out vs. Brooklyn
The 23-year-old has already been ruled out of Saturday’s home matchup with the Brooklyn Nets, the team confirmed. Thompson will become eligible for a rookie-scale extension this summer.
Holland exits with eye injury, expected to play Saturday
Second-year forward Ron Holland left Thursday’s contest after being struck in the left eye, experiencing blurred vision. “I didn’t feel comfortable putting him back in if he couldn’t see straight,” Bickerstaff said. Holland is not listed on Saturday’s injury report and is expected to be available.
Additional injury notes
- Guard Cade Cunningham is listed as questionable with a left quad contusion.
- Center Jalen Duren is probable due to low back spasms.
Huerter makes most of minutes
Veteran guard Kevin Huerter, acquired in a trade last month, re-entered the rotation Thursday after six DNP-CDs in the previous seven games. He finished with seven points on 3-of-4 shooting, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, posting a plus-15 in 17 minutes. “I know how to be a pro, keep myself ready,” Huerter said. “It’s my job to learn the offense, figure out our defensive identity, and stay in shape so I’m sharp when called upon.”
The Pistons host Brooklyn on Saturday at Little Caesars Arena.
Source: Hoops Rumors
