Central Division Notebook: Nesmith Out, Pistons Extend Streak, Mitchell Talks Seeding, Bucks at 8-5
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INDIANAPOLIS — Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith was diagnosed with a left knee sprain after getting tangled with teammate Jeremiah Robinson-Earl during Thursday’s game in Phoenix. Head coach Rick Carlisle said the club believes the 24-year-old avoided a major injury, but he will miss Saturday’s home contest against the Raptors. Nesmith is averaging a career-best 15.5 points per game.
DETROIT — The depleted Pistons pushed their winning streak to nine by overcoming a 12-point third-quarter deficit to beat Philadelphia on Friday. Detroit played without Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson and Tobias Harris, all of whom watched in street clothes. “They’ve just got a nastiness to them, and that’s the fun part about our group,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “We’ve just got a bunch of nasty dogs in that locker room, and they love it.”
CLEVELAND — Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell said he is focused on being healthy and peaking late in the year rather than reclaiming the No. 1 seed. “Would I love to be the No. 1 seed? Sure,” Mitchell told VideoGamer.com. “But if we’re not, am I going to be panicking? No. As long as we’re playing our best basketball at the right time, that’s all that really matters.” Cleveland was a top seed last season but fell short of the NBA Finals.
MILWAUKEE — The Bucks opened the campaign 8-5, and The Athletic’s Eric Nehm detailed his observations on the club’s early performance, noting areas that still need refinement despite the winning record.
Source: Hoops Rumors
