As the Pistons prepare for an 8:00 p.m. ET tip-off against the Cavaliers for Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series, they could be without multiple contributors.
The trio of SG Kevin Huerter, F-G Caris LeVert, and G-F Duncan Robinson continues to nurse nagging injuries, making them all worth keeping an eye on heading into Wednesday, May 13’s NBA Playoff game.
Below, we'll break down the latest Pistons injury updates, whether the group of Huerter, LeVert, and Robinson will play tonight, and who to target on PrizePicks if they sit.
Make your NBA Playoff picks on PrizePicks — including ones for Cavaliers vs. Pistons Game 5 on Wednesday night.
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Pistons Injury Report: Updates on Huerter, LeVert, Robinson for Game 5
Per the official Wednesday NBA injury report as of writing, all three players are questionable for Game 5 vs. the Cavaliers. Let’s dive into each individual player’s specific situation, as well as his top PrizePicks projections for Wednesday (if available).
Is Kevin Huerter Playing in Game 5 vs. Cavaliers?
It’s been a long few weeks for Huerter, who hasn’t appeared in a game since he logged just over 2 minutes against the Orlando Magic in Game 4 of the first round. He’s missed seven consecutive contests as he recovers from a left adductor strain.
The good news for Detroit is Huerter was upgraded to questionable, which could imply that a potential return may not be too far away. He was present for the open portion of shootaround on Wednesday.
Is Caris LeVert Playing in Game 5 vs. Cavaliers?
It’s been a mostly healthy postseason for LeVert, who has logged time in all but one outing. After playing 31 minutes in Game 4’s 112-103 loss, however, he’s dealing with a right heel contusion.
Like Huerter, LeVert got some work in during shootaround.
Caris LeVert vs. Cavaliers Projections: 7.5 Points / 1.5 Rebounds (Goblin) / 6.5 FG Attempted
Is Duncan Robinson Playing in Game 5 vs. Cavaliers?
Despite some pain in his lower back, Robinson continues to play through it. He was available for 77 regular-season games and has started each of the Pistons’ 11 postseason matchups thus far.
Barring a setback before tip-off, it seems far-fetched for Robinson to miss this matchup.
Duncan Robinson vs. Cavaliers Projections: 11.5 Points / 2.5 3-PT Made (Goblin) / 9.5 FG Attempted
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What Players to Target on PrizePicks if Huerter or LeVert is Out?
The only real question marks for Wednesday are Huerter and LeVert. What would the Pistons be missing if either or both players sat out Game 5?
Huerter hasn’t been much of a loss. Deciphering anything from just a 42-minute postseason sample size would be foolish, but Detroit was actually 0.4 points per 100 possessions worse with him in the regular season, via databallr.
That number was 10.6 for LeVert, as the Pistons’ offense went from being 5.9% above league average minus him to 4.4% worse than it with him.
Two players could see increased touches on offense if one or two members of the SG-SF duo rest. Backup PG Daniss Jenkins hasn’t lived up to the hype this NBA Playoffs, but overall, he shoots 6.9% better from 3-point land without Huerter. He’s 8.0% more efficient from deep when LeVert isn’t on the floor.
The straw that stirs the drink will always be PG Cade Cunningham. The All-Star man shoots 39.1% on 3-pointers when LeVert is off the court but just 25.5% with him. He’s only played 126 minutes with Huerter, so there’s some noise to account for.
Here are the Pistons players who may benefit most on PrizePicks if Huerter or LeVert is out, as well as their stat projections for today.
- Daniss Jenkings vs. Cavaliers Projections: 8.5 Points / 2.5 Rebounds / 2.5 Assists (Goblin)
- Cade Cunningham vs. Cavaliers Projections: 26.5 Points / 5 Rebounds / 9 Assists
If Detroit is down a role player on Wednesday, perhaps Jenkins continues to get an uptick in reps. In a downright critical game, though, the weight of the world may be on Cunningham’s shoulders.
Pick More or Less Pistons player stats on PrizePicks now before the 8:00 p.m. tip.
Make Cavaliers vs. Pistons Picks on PrizePicks
With Game 5 between the Cavaliers and Pistons just hours away, three players are listed as questionable. Regardless of whether Kevin Huerter, Caris LeVert, and Duncan Robinson suit up for this NBA Playoff matchup, there are ample projections available on the PrizePicks board.
Don't wait — make your Cavaliers vs. Pistons picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you're right.
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