All Pistons

Detroit Pistons See Positive Upgrade Before Knicks Matchup

Could the Detroit Pistons get Tobias Harris back against the Knicks?
Justin Grasso|
Feb 23, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) controls the ball against Atlanta Hawks forward Georges Niang (20) during the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Feb 23, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) controls the ball against Atlanta Hawks forward Georges Niang (20) during the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images | Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

In this story:

Detroit PistonsNew York Knicks

The absence of Tobias Harris has been noticeable for the Detroit Pistons lately. As the veteran forward deals with heel soreness, he hasn’t been on the court consistently and has missed the last three games.

On Thursday night, the Pistons enter a tough matchup against the New York Knicks, where they are looking to climb out of a two-game hole. They hope to get Harris back. All signs are pointing in the right direction, as Harris has been upgraded on the injury report.

According to the official NBA injury report, Harris is probable to play against the Knicks at home.

As the Pistons gathered for a practice session on Wednesday night, Harris was suited up and spotted on the court putting in some post-practice work, which is another positive sign for his Thursday night availability.

Harris’ first absence came on March 28 ahead of the matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The veteran was a late scratch ahead of the Pistons’ 133-122 victory. Harris was ruled out against the Minnesota Timberwolves for the following game, but managed to returned to the court when the Pistons took on the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2.

The Piston had their veteran forward on the court for just 22 minutes. During the second half, Harris was ruled out early as he experienced soreness. When he left the game, he had 10 points on 5-8 shooting from the field, along with four rebounds and two assists.

Harris ended up missing five of the Pistons’ previous six games. They’ve won just two of those matchups recently.

Thursday’s game could mark a playoff preview. If the season ends with the Eastern Conference standings remaining the same, the Pistons and the Knicks will compete against each other in round one.

The two teams are slated for a 7 PM ET tip.

More Pistons on SI

Published
Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

Share on XFollow JGrasso_
Home/News