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Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Friday’s Injury Report

Originally posted on Detroit Pistons on SI
By Justin Grasso | Last updated Mar 1, 2024 6:45 PM ET

The Detroit Pistons started this week off on a low note as they engaged in a heartbreaking loss against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Monday.

In a game where the Pistons believed they were bound to escape New York with their first win since February 8, the Pistons were on the wrong side of a bad whistle. Although the officiating crew admitted that Detroit’s frustrations were warranted, as a critical loose ball foul went uncalled, a postgame review of the play couldn’t give the Pistons a victory.

Instead, they hit the road with a sixth-straight loss.

Detroit bounced back the following night. Despite heading into their matchup against the Chicago Bulls extremely frustrated, they turned the anger into good energy and defeated Chicago with a ten-point victory.

The Pistons went into a two-day break and will return to the court on Friday night to face the Cleveland Cavaliers for the fourth time this season. Heading into the matchup, both teams have players on the injury report.

Pistons vs. Cavaliers Injury Report

Donovan Mitchell, CLE

All eyes are on the availability of the Cleveland All-Star, Donovan Mitchell. As the star guard battles knee soreness, he was downgraded to questionable heading into Friday’s game. Recently, Mitchell appeared in the Cavs’ last three games after missing a back-to-back set following the All-Star break. When he returned, Mitchell averaged 40 minutes on the floor, helping the Cavs go 2-1. On Friday, he'll get the night off.

Marcus Sasser, DET

With an injury report full of G League assignments, the Pistons have just one guy listed with a legitimate injury, and it’s the rookie guard Marcus Sasser. During the Pistons’ first game back from the All-Star break, Sasser suffered a minor setback, dealing with a right knee contusion. After appearing on the court for just ten minutes against the Pacers, Sasser missed the next three games. Earlier this week, the Pistons confirmed he would be re-evaluated sometime next week. Friday’s game will mark Sasser’s fourth consecutive absence.