Pistons Could Be Without Ron Holland as West Coast Road Trip Begins in Portland
The Detroit Pistons are heading west for a five-game road swing, but they might be doing it without one of their most consistent young contributors.
Second-year forward Ron Holland is listed as questionable with left knee soreness ahead of Monday night’s matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET, and while the Pistons are riding high atop the Eastern Conference at 22-6, Holland’s potential absence could sting more than the box score might suggest.
Holland has quietly carved out a key role for Detroit. He’s one of just two Pistons - along with Javonte Green - to appear in all 28 games this season.
That durability dates back to his rookie campaign, where he played in 81 of 82 games, missing only one due to suspension. For a team that’s leaned heavily on depth and defensive intensity, Holland’s availability has been a quiet cornerstone.
He’s averaging 8.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game in just 21 minutes of action. That last number - the steals - is where Holland’s impact really shines.
Despite limited minutes, he’s tied for eighth in the NBA with 42 total steals this season. That kind of defensive production from a rotation wing is gold, especially for a team that thrives on pressure and transition opportunities.
The Pistons will also be monitoring the status of center Jalen Duren, who’s listed as probable with a left hip contusion. Duren has missed just three games this season and remains a critical piece in the paint, both as a rim protector and a lob threat in the pick-and-roll.
This matchup in Portland kicks off a demanding nine-day road trip that will test Detroit’s early-season momentum. After the Blazers, the Pistons head to Sacramento for a back-to-back against the Kings on Tuesday, followed by stops in Utah (Friday), against the Clippers (Sunday), and a marquee matchup with the Lakers on Dec. 30.
As for the Blazers, they’re dealing with their own injury woes. Portland will be without both of their primary point guards - Jrue Holiday (calf strain) and Scoot Henderson (hamstring tear) - as well as defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle (thumb). Former Piston Jerami Grant is listed as questionable with Achilles soreness.
While Detroit will be favored in Monday’s contest, the real focus is on the bigger picture. A five-game road trip in the thick of the season can reveal a lot about a team’s resilience and depth - especially if they’re forced to do it without one of their most reliable two-way players in Holland. If he’s sidelined, expect the Pistons’ rotation to shift, and we’ll get a closer look at how deep this Eastern Conference leader really is.