Pistons poised for another leap starting with opener vs. Bulls

The Detroit Pistons engineered much of last season's historic turnaround without guard Jaden Ivey.

As their young core prepares to keep climbing -- beginning with Wednesday's opener against the host Chicago Bulls -- the Pistons will be minus Ivey for a bit longer.

Ivey encountered a setback after he recovered from a broken left fibula injury that ended his season on Jan. 1. He'll miss about three more weeks following a recent right knee surgery, creating an opportunity to cultivate the team's scoring and ballhandling depth beyond third-team All-NBA pick Cade Cunningham.

Options include third-year wing Ausar Thompson, who took an increased role after Ivey's injury last season, and veteran addition Caris LeVert.

"We have the guys that can fill those spots," Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "Playing with A.T. and the ball is in his hands more. Caris has the ability to do that. And we've been extremely pleased with Marcus Sasser and how he's been able to help us. We have guys we feel confident in all the way to Daniss (Jenkins)."

Detroit earned 44 victories last season, becoming the first team to triple its win total after finishing 14-68 in 2023-24.

A tight, six-game loss to the New York Knicks in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs offered valuable experience for Detroit's youngsters. Veteran returners include Tobias Harris, one of seven active players with at least 15,000 career points, 5,900 rebounds, 2,200 assists and 500 blocks.

The Bulls also aim to take a step forward after finishing below .500 and losing in the Eastern Conference's play-in tournament each of the past three seasons, but injuries are hampering them as they approach the starting gate.

Chicago announced Monday that guard Coby White (right calf strain) will miss at least two additional weeks. While White has progressed from the injury that sidelined him throughout the preseason, he still must boost his conditioning and recover from tightness he felt while practicing Saturday.

Backup center Zach Collins, who averaged 11.6 points per game during preseason, fractured his left wrist in the exhibition finale against Minnesota and will be out for at least a month.

"For us, it's two big losses, quite honestly," Bulls coach Billy Donovan said. "Any time you lose good players, it has an impact. We've got to utilize our depth as best as we can. The opening part of the schedule is hard. So, we're going to have to have other guys step up and play.

"It is what it is. Control what you can control. This is what's in front of us right now. ... Is it ideal these two guys being out? No, but, God willing, come 7 o'clock (Wednesday) night, that ball's getting thrown up and whoever is suited up needs to go out and play."

Chicago again expects big things from point guard Josh Giddey after signing him to a four-year, $100 million contract extension in the offseason. The organization cemented its commitment to Giddey by trading oft-injured Lonzo Ball to Cleveland for small forward Isaac Okoro.

Detroit won the 2024-25 season series 3-1, regrouping from a 10-point home loss in November to win the final three meetings against the Bulls.

--Field Level Media