The Detroit Pistons will be without Duncan Robinson for their playoff matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and they have already adjusted their starting lineup.
Detroit listed Robinson out because of lower back soreness on the NBA’s 7:30 p.m. ET injury report after he had been questionable earlier in the day. The Pistons will start Cade Cunningham, Daniss Jenkins, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren, according to Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press.
That makes Jenkins the key lineup change, with Robinson unavailable for a game that carries obvious weight in the series. Detroit and Cleveland entered the matchup tied 2-2 in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
In good news, however, Kevin Huerter will be available for the first time this series against Cleveland, and Caris LeVert is also available.
The Detroit Pistons Announced Duncan Robinson Would Miss Game 5 With a Lower Back Injury
Robinson’s status shifted quickly on Wednesday. The NBA’s injury report listed him as questionable with low back soreness, while Caris LeVert and Kevin Huerter were also questionable for Detroit at that point.
That is a meaningful change for Detroit, especially because Robinson’s value is not limited to his box-score production. His shooting forces defenders to stay attached away from the ball, which can open driving lanes for Cunningham and create more room for Duren as a roller and finisher.
Without Robinson, the Cavaliers can be more aggressive with help defense if Detroit’s replacement lineup does not punish them from the perimeter. That puts more pressure on the Pistons’ other guards and wings to hit open shots early.
Detroit’s starting five still has plenty of athleticism and size with Thompson, Harris and Duren around Cunningham. The question is whether the Pistons can preserve enough spacing without Robinson on the floor.
Kevin Huerter Returns to Give the Pistons Another Shooting Option
Robinson’s absence hurts, but Huerter being available gives Detroit a needed counterpunch.
Huerter was listed as available on the same injury report after dealing with a left adductor strain. That matters because he is one of the Pistons’ more natural perimeter options and can help replace some of the spacing Detroit loses without Robinson.
The Pistons may not be starting Huerter, but his role could be important quickly if the offense tightens up. Detroit can use him to stretch Cleveland’s defense, play off Cunningham and give the second unit more shooting structure.
Huerter’s availability also gives Bickerstaff more lineup flexibility. Detroit can play bigger with Thompson and Harris, lean into Jenkins as a secondary ball-handler or turn to Huerter when the Pistons need cleaner spacing around Cunningham-Duren actions.
That does not make Robinson’s absence insignificant. Robinson’s shooting gravity is difficult to replicate, especially in a playoff game where every rotation decision gets magnified. But Huerter’s return keeps Detroit from being completely short on shooting options.
For the Pistons, Game 6 now becomes a balancing act. Jenkins gets the starting opportunity, Huerter gives Detroit another shooter off the bench and Cunningham remains the central figure Cleveland has to stop. Robinson’s injury changes the math, but Detroit still has multiple ways to adjust.
How to Watch Pistons vs. Cavaliers Game 6 on ESPN
The Pistons and Cavaliers are scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 13, with the game airing nationally on ESPN. Streaming options include live TV services that carry ESPN, including Fubo.
For local viewers, availability may vary by market and provider.
Detroit Pistons Announce Starting Lineup After Duncan Robinson Injury News