Key Detroit Pistons Player Out vs Brooklyn Nets

The Detroit Pistons will continue rolling without Ausar Thompson.

Justin Grasso | 16 Hours Ago

Dec 23, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) blocks a shot by Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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The Wednesday night battle between the Brooklyn Nets and the Detroit Pistons will not include the presence of a key player for the home team. Ausar Thompson will once again be absent for the matchup.

According to the official NBA injury report, Thompson is still dealing with an illness. While there aren’t any specifics about his current condition, it’s clear Thompson needs some additional time off.

When the Pistons submitted their initial injury report for Monday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Thompson’s name wasn’t included. As the day went on, the Pistons downgraded Thompson to questionable. Although he was on pace to be a game-time decision, it didn’t take long for the Pistons to downgrade Thompson to out for the night.

Ausar Thompson (illness) listed out for Wednesday.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) January 7, 2025

Unfortunately, Thompson has missed a lot of action this season. His initial health concerns at the start of the year came about late last season.

During his rookie year, Thompson dealt with blood clots back in the spring of 2024. The Pistons were left with no choice but to shut Thompson down for the rest of the season. He finished his rookie year with 63 games played, picking up 38 starts.

Thompson averaged nine points, six rebounds, one steal, and one block during his rookie effort. When the Pistons geared up for their training camp in 2024, Thompson was still waiting on clearance from the league. He wouldn’t get a preseason before his sophomore campaign. Preseason didn’t happen for him either.

The NBA cleared Thompson to return in November. On November 25, he made his sophomore season debut against the Toronto Raptors. Thompson came off the bench for 16 minutes. The young veteran appeared in five games in a row before getting two games off due to a separate setback.

When Thompson returned to the court on December 12, he played 10 games in a row. Just as Thompson was finding a rhythm and gaining an opportunity to collect a start in the absence of the injured Jaden Ivey, the wing started dealing with an illness. Wednesday’s game against the Nets will mark Thompson’s second absence in a row. It will be his 22nd absence this season.

Nov 3, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) catches a pass in front of Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Johnson (45) in the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Is Cade Cunningham Clear of Setbacks?

Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has been present on the team’s injury report as of late. Last week, Cunningham was reportedly dealing with a minor knee concern.

The good news is that the Pistons didn’t seem overly concerned about Cunningham’s recent issue. When he was added to the injury report, the Pistons considered him to be probable.

Ahead of Monday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Cunningham was still present on the report, but he was available from the jump. Sure enough, Cunningham received the green light to face Portland.

Once again, Cunningham had a spectacular game. Against Portland, Cunningham produced 32 points, nine assists, and six rebounds on 48 percent shooting from the field. In the following outing against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cunningham posted the same amount of rebounds and assists but carried Detroit with a 40-point showing.

Cade Cunningham tonight:

32 points
6 rebounds
9 assists
48% FG

THE DETROIT PISTONS GOT A .500 RECORD 🔥

(Via @realapp_ ) pic.twitter.com/9a7Ye6urzy
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 7, 2025

Throughout Cunningham’s young career, injuries have been a notable concern. While he missed a handful of games this year due to a groin injury, Cunningham has been mostly available for his team and consistently performing at a high level.

In 32 games, Cunningham has averaged 24 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists while knocking down 45 percent of his shots from the field and 38 percent of his threes.

On Wednesday night, the Pistons host the Nets for a 7:30 PM ET tip.