The Detroit Pistons are back on home court Sunday evening, hosting a struggling Brooklyn Nets squad in what could be a momentum-builder for a young team trying to find its footing. After wrapping up a West Coast road trip with an impressive win over the Golden State Warriors, Detroit now faces the challenge of maintaining that energy in their return to Little Caesars Arena.
All eyes will be on Cade Cunningham, who’s listed as probable with right hip soreness. The good news?
He suited up in that win over the Warriors, so unless there’s a late setback, the expectation is that he’ll be available to lead the charge again. Cunningham’s presence is critical-not just for his scoring and playmaking, but for the stability he brings to a roster that’s still learning how to win together.
Caris LeVert, a key piece off the bench, is also on the injury report, listed as questionable due to illness. If he’s unable to go, the Pistons will be down one of their more versatile wings, someone who can create offense in spurts and provide some veteran savvy in a rotation that leans young.
Brooklyn, meanwhile, comes into this one banged up and reeling. The Nets will be without Noah Clowney (lower back sprain) and Ziaire Williams (left calf contusion), two depth pieces that would’ve helped fill out their rotation. But the real storyline for the Nets isn’t who’s out-it’s who’s still fighting.
Michael Porter Jr. has been a rare bright spot for Brooklyn this season. He recently dropped 38 points against the Denver Nuggets, showcasing the kind of scoring upside that made him such a tantalizing prospect.
For Detroit, slowing him down will be priority number one. Porter’s capable of getting hot in a hurry, and on a team that’s lacked consistency, he’s been the one player who can swing a game on his own.
The Pistons will need to be sharp, especially in that first half. Teams often come out sluggish in their first game back after a long trip, and the time zone adjustment can be real. But they’ve got a golden opportunity here: a chance to stack wins, build confidence, and continue developing their young core against a team that’s had trouble closing games all season.
Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. ET in Detroit. If Cunningham is good to go and the Pistons can bring the same energy they showed in San Francisco, they’ll be in a strong position to take care of business against a Nets team still searching for answers.