The Detroit Pistons could be short-handed in a must-win Game 6, with Duncan Robinson, Kevin Huerter and Caris LeVert all listed as questionable against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Detroit trails the Eastern Conference semifinal series 3-2 after a 117-113 overtime loss Wednesday night.
Duncan Robinson Status Uncertain After Missing Game 5
GettyDetroit Pistons starter Duncan Robinson missed Game 5 with a lower back injury.
Robinson is questionable with lower-back soreness after sitting out Game 5, where his absence was felt in Detroit’s late-game offense.
The veteran guard has been one of the Pistons’ most efficient shooters in the series, averaging 13.8 points while hitting 57.7% from 3-point range over 32.5 minutes per game.
Without Robinson, Detroit lost spacing and struggled to generate clean perimeter looks in critical possessions. The Pistons went scoreless for nearly five minutes between the fourth quarter and overtime as Cleveland seized momentum.
Daniss Jenkins started in Robinson’s place and scored 19 points, providing energy but not the same floor-spacing gravity Robinson brings.
Kevin Huerter Limited After Adductor Injury Return
GettyDetroit Pistons shooter Kevin Hueter saw limited action in his return in a heartbreaking overtime loss in Game 5.
Huerter is also listed as questionable as he continues to work back from an adductor injury.
He returned in Game 5 but played just three minutes in the first quarter and did not re-enter, finishing with one assist.
Even if available, Huerter’s role remains uncertain after his limited workload. Detroit may again lean on Jenkins or other bench options if Huerter is not physically ready for extended minutes.
Caris LeVert Battling Heel Injury
GettyCaris LeVert of the Detroit Pistons is dealing with a nagging heel injury.
LeVert, dealing with a right heel contusion, is questionable after playing through the injury in five straight games.
He logged 24 minutes in Game 5 but struggled offensively, scoring seven points on 2-of-7 shooting.
LeVert has been a key secondary ball-handler throughout the series, and any limitation could further strain Detroit’s offense alongside Cade Cunningham.
Marcus Sasser and Javonte Green are candidates for expanded roles if LeVert is unavailable or limited.
Pistons Let Game 5 Slip Away Late
Detroit appeared in control late in Game 5, leading 103-94 with just over two minutes remaining before Cleveland rallied.
The Cavaliers forced overtime and took over behind timely shot-making and defensive stops, outscoring Detroit 13-0 across a decisive stretch.
Cunningham finished with 39 points and nine assists but had limited support late as the offense stalled.
“We went away from what was working,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said.
Detroit also struggled to contain Cleveland’s late-game execution, allowing multiple second-chance opportunities and key perimeter looks.
Game 6 Stakes: Health, Depth, Execution
With three rotation players uncertain, Detroit’s margin for error shrinks entering Game 6.
The Pistons must regain offensive rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc, while tightening late-game execution after letting Game 5 slip away.
Cunningham is expected to continue carrying a heavy load, but Detroit will need contributions across the rotation to extend the series.
Game 6 is Friday night in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers will have their first chance to close out the series and advance to the Eastern Conference finals.
Pistons Face Multiple Injury Uncertainties Ahead of Must-Win Game 6