Cleveland — Down 3-2 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Detroit Pistons will try to avoid elimination in Game 6 against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday night.
The Pistons will need to move on from their 117-113 overtime loss in Game 5 on Wednesday. In addition, they must also improve their performance in Cleveland, where they suffered two disappointing losses in Games 3 and 4.
While facing a daunting situation, the Pistons might have to overcome one of their toughest tasks of the season without Kevin Huerter, Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson, who are all questionable for Game 6 due to their respective injuries.
Huerter continues to be hampered by a left adductor strain that he has been dealing with since the Pistons’ first-round series against the Orlando Magic. He missed seven consecutive games due to the injury but returned in Game 5. However, Huerter played only three minutes in the first quarter and didn’t return to the game. He wasn’t even on the bench for the second half and overtime.
While Huerter tried to make his return, Robinson was out due to lower back soreness. In his absence, the Pistons struggled from behind the arc. After shooting 6-for-14 on 3-point shooting in the first half, the Pistons finished 11-for-33. Robinson has averaged 11.5 points on 43.6% shooting from deep this postseason. Daniss Jenkins started in his absence and posted 19 points.
LeVert was listed on the injury report for the third consecutive time due to a right heel contusion. However, he has played in the previous two games, averaging 15.5 points on 52.2% shooting from the floor.
“LeVert is a true competitor and understands the moment — how important these games are and how much they mean to him and to us,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said following LeVert’s 24-point performance in Game 4. “He doesn’t take it for granted.”
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