The Detroit Pistons have some notable names on the injury report ahead of their March 30 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A few of them are starters, which could be a major difference-maker in Monday’s action against the defending NBA Champions.
Ausar Thompson is one of a handful of players who are facing a potential night off. However, the Pistons had good news on the Thompson front on Monday morning. The defensive standout was seen getting shots up while present at shootaround.
While shootaround presence doesn’t guarantee a player’s in, it’s a decent indicator that the chances are higher.
What’s The Latest On Ausar Thompson?
The Pistons are rolling with Thompson listed as questionable. The veteran standout recently recovered from an ankle sprain and has an injury management plan that he is following.
Part of the strategy might mean taking off certain games, with Monday’s action being a candidate.
*UPDATE 2 PM ET: Ausar Thompson has been upgraded to AVAILABLE. He will play on Monday
Back on March 5, Thompson suffered an injury against the San Antonio Spurs. He checked out of the game just two minutes in. Thompson went on to miss the following five games. Fortunately, the Pistons won four of those matchups.
Since then, Thompson has appeared in eight games.
This season, Thompson has played in 65 games for the Pistons. Seeing the court for 25.9 minutes per game, Thompson has posted averages of 10.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. On the defensive side of the ball, Thompson is posting a career-high 2.0 steals per game.
Thompson isn’t alone of the injury report.
The Pistons ruled Duncan Robinson, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren as doubtful.
Isaac Jones, Bobi Klintman, and Wendell Moore Jr., are questionable like Thompson. As expected, the Pistons already ruled out Isaiah Stewart and Cade Cunningham.
via Omari Sankofa, Detroit Free Press: Morning shootaround in OKC. Tolu Smith, Bobi Klintman, Wendell Moore Jr. and Isaac Jones are here. Ausar, who’s questionable, is also here. Haven’t seen Duren, Harris or Robinson, who are doubtful.
The Pistons and the OKC Thunder are set for a 9:30 PM ET tip on Monday night. Detroit is searching for its 55th victory of the year.