The Detroit Pistons will not be short-handed after all.
Duncan Robinson, Kevin Huerter and Caris LeVert are all available for Game 6 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a significant development for a team facing elimination Friday night.
Detroit trails the Eastern Conference semifinal series 3-2 after a 117-113 overtime loss in Game 5, but the return of three key rotation players provides a timely boost as the Pistons look to extend their season.
Pistons Get Full Reinforcements Ahead of Game 6
All three players had been listed as questionable following Game 5 due to lingering injuries, raising concerns about Detroit’s depth in a must-win scenario.
Robinson had missed Game 5 with lower back soreness, while Huerter was limited in his return from an adductor injury. LeVert, meanwhile, has been dealing with a right heel contusion that has affected him throughout the series.
Their availability restores key elements of Detroit’s offensive structure — spacing, secondary playmaking and scoring versatility — that were noticeably inconsistent late in Game 5.
Duncan Robinson’s Shooting Key to Detroit Offense
Robinson’s return could be particularly impactful.
The veteran guard has been one of Detroit’s most efficient perimeter threats in the series, averaging 13.8 points while shooting 57.7% from 3-point range over 32.5 minutes per game.
Without him in Game 5, the Pistons struggled to maintain spacing in critical moments. Detroit went scoreless for nearly five minutes bridging the fourth quarter and overtime, allowing Cleveland to erase a late deficit and seize momentum.
Daniss Jenkins started in Robinson’s place and scored 19 points, but the Pistons lacked Robinson’s gravity — the ability to stretch defenses and create cleaner looks for teammates.
Kevin Huerter, Caris LeVert Add Depth and Playmaking
Huerter’s status also looms large after his limited appearance in Game 5.
He played just three minutes in the first quarter and did not return, leaving questions about his conditioning and role. With more time to recover, Detroit is expected to expand his minutes as a secondary shooter and ball-mover.
LeVert’s presence remains equally important.
Despite playing through a heel injury, he logged 24 minutes in Game 5 but struggled offensively, finishing with seven points on 2-of-7 shooting. At full strength, LeVert serves as a key secondary playmaker behind Cade Cunningham, capable of easing ball-handling pressure and initiating offense.
Game 5 Collapse Still Looms Over Series
Detroit appeared poised to take control of the series in Game 5, holding a 103-94 lead with just over two minutes remaining in regulation.
Instead, Cleveland closed the quarter on a decisive run, forcing overtime and ultimately pulling away behind timely shot-making and defensive stops.
Cunningham finished with 39 points and nine assists, but the Pistons’ offense stalled late without consistent support.
“We went away from what was working,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said after the loss.
Game 6 Stakes: Season on the Line
With Robinson, Huerter and LeVert all available, Detroit enters Game 6 with a more complete rotation — and a clearer path to correcting the late-game issues that cost them in Game 5.
The Cavaliers, meanwhile, will have their first opportunity to close out the series at home and advance to the Eastern Conference finals.
For the Pistons, the equation is simple: survive and force a Game 7 — or see their season end.
Pistons Get Massive Injury Update Just Before Do-or-Die Game 6