The Detroit Pistons will enter Wednesday’s NBA Cup matchup against the Boston Celtics with multiple absences.
Isaac Jones, Wendell Moore Jr., and Tolu Smith are out on G League assignments, while Bobi Klintman (left ankle sprain) and Marcus Sasser (right hip impingement) remain sidelined due to injuries.
Boston will also be missing significant contributors, most notably Jayson Tatum, who is out following right Achilles repair. Neemias Queta is listed out with a left ankle sprain, while Ron Harper Jr. and Max Shulga are available as two-way G League players.
The Pistons have relied heavily on Cade Cunningham, who leads the team with 27.1 points and 9.6 assists per game, while Jalen Duren contributes 20.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per contest. Tobias Harris (13.9 PPG) and Duncan Robinson (12.6 PPG) provide additional scoring support for Detroit’s high-powered offense.
Boston’s scoring load is spread among Jaylen Brown (27.9 PPG), Payton Pritchard (16.6 PPG), Derrick White (15.4 PPG), and Anfernee Simons (14.4 PPG).
The Celtics will look to Brown and White to carry much of the offensive responsibility. Queta’s absence also reduces Boston’s frontcourt depth, leaving rebounding duties more heavily on Brown (5.6 RPG) and Josh Minott (5.1 RPG).
Detroit comes into the game on a nine-game winning streak, having defeated the Pacers 122-117 on November 24 and the Bucks 129-116 on November 22. The Pistons improved to 15-2 on the season, asserting themselves as the top team in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics come into the Wednesday’s game after a 138-129 victory over the Magic on November 23, improving to 9-8 overall. Boston lost their previous meeting against Detroit 119-113 on October 26.
Game day at TD Garden is set for 7:30 PM ET.
