As the Detroit Pistons gear up to host the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night, they’re keeping a close eye on the health of two key rotation players - Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson - both of whom popped up on the team’s latest injury report.
LeVert is officially listed as questionable with right knee soreness, while Robinson is probable after suffering a left knee contusion. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV, and while Detroit would love to have both veterans available, their statuses will likely come down to pregame evaluations.
Both players were active in Detroit’s hard-fought 116-114 overtime loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday - a game that snapped the Pistons’ four-game win streak and reminded everyone just how thin the margin is in close contests. LeVert logged 27 minutes, finishing with six points, three boards, three assists, and a steal while shooting 3-for-8 from the floor. It wasn’t a stat-stuffing night, but his presence in the backcourt rotation continues to be valuable, especially when Detroit needs steady play on both ends.
Robinson’s night, however, was cut short. The veteran forward exited early after a knee-to-knee collision with Dallas’ Naji Marshall. Before leaving, he managed just two points and two rebounds on 1-for-7 shooting in 13 minutes - a tough outing for a player who’s been one of Detroit’s more consistent floor spacers this season.
Zooming out, both LeVert and Robinson have played important roles in Detroit’s rotation through the first stretch of the season. LeVert, now in his 30s, has been a reliable contributor off the bench, averaging 9.4 points, 3 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per game.
What really stands out is his efficiency - 46.3% shooting from the field and a career-best 40.8% from three. In just over 20 minutes per game, he’s giving the Pistons a steady offensive punch and much-needed spacing.
Robinson, meanwhile, has been a fixture on the wing. In 25 appearances, he’s averaging 11.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while hitting 39.2% from deep.
His 30.4 minutes per game show just how much trust the coaching staff has in his ability to stretch defenses and knock down perimeter shots. If he’s able to suit up Saturday, his shooting could be a key factor against a Charlotte team still trying to find its defensive footing.
For the Pistons, this matchup with the Hornets is more than just a chance to bounce back - it’s also their final home game before a five-game road trip that starts Monday in Portland. Getting back in the win column before hitting the road could be crucial for maintaining momentum and confidence, especially with the Western Conference slate looming.
So, while Saturday’s injury report doesn’t bring any major red flags, it does add a layer of uncertainty heading into a game Detroit would very much like to control. Keep an eye on LeVert and Robinson during warmups - their availability could swing the rotation and the rhythm of the night.