Detroit Pistons wing Ausar Thompson returned to the lineup Sunday after missing the team’s previous five games with a right ankle sprain.
The player was upgraded to available for the matchup against the Toronto Raptors in Toronto, according to Hunter Patterson of The Athletic.
Thompson has been a key part of Detroit’s success this season, starting 56 of the 57 games he has appeared in for the 48-18 Pistons.
His impact has been especially noticeable on the defensive end, where he has helped anchor a unit that ranks second in the NBA with a 108.8 defensive rating.
Because of his strong defensive play, Thompson is expected to receive serious consideration for an All-Defensive team selection and could even receive some votes for Defensive Player of the Year.
However, his eligibility for those honors still depends on reaching the NBA’s 65-game minimum requirement.
Due to limited minutes in several games earlier this season, only 50 of Thompson’s 57 appearances currently count toward that threshold.
As a result, he will need to remain available for most of Detroit’s remaining schedule.
If he were to miss two of the Pistons’ final 16 games, he would fall short of the number required to qualify for those awards.
Ausar Thompson returned tonight after a five-game absence for the Pistons. More: https://t.co/oFOSPPMXQ6
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 16, 2026
