The Detroit Pistons are expected to contend in a weaker Eastern Conference to at least make the playoffs, but that will be with Blake Griffin on the floor. They will not have that to begin the 2019-2020 season, as their superstar is expected to miss at least the first five games due to hamstring and knee injuries. Griffin is expected to be re-evaluated in early November, as he enters his second full season with Detroit. He was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2017-2018 campaign, and helped the Pistons to the eighth seed in the East last year. They were swept in the first round by the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks.
The six-time All-Star was able to stay healthy for most of last season, appearing in 75 games, which was his most since the 2013-2014 season. In that time he averaged a career-high 25.5 points per game to go with 7.5 rebounds. He did undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in the off-season, but did play in Detroit's first two preseason games, before missing the final three.
The Pistons open their season on the road against the Indiana Pacers Wednesday night, before hosting their home opener against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday at Little Caesars Arena. Starting point guard Reggie Jackson is dealing with lower back tightness, but is expected to play.
The six-time All-Star was able to stay healthy for most of last season, appearing in 75 games, which was his most since the 2013-2014 season. In that time he averaged a career-high 25.5 points per game to go with 7.5 rebounds. He did undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in the off-season, but did play in Detroit's first two preseason games, before missing the final three.
The Pistons open their season on the road against the Indiana Pacers Wednesday night, before hosting their home opener against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday at Little Caesars Arena. Starting point guard Reggie Jackson is dealing with lower back tightness, but is expected to play.
