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Ausar Thompson’s Setback in Pistons-Celtics Matchup Addressed

JB Bickerstaff addressed Ausar Thompson's early exit against the Celtics.
Justin Grasso|
Feb 26, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) dribbles on Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) dribbles on Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

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Detroit PistonsBoston Celtics

The Detroit Pistons faced a health scare on Wednesday night in their matchup against the Boston Celtics as the second-year wing, Ausar Thompson, went down with what looked like a leg injury.

Eventually, it was revealed that Thompson was not going to return to the game. The initial reporting suggested that Thompson was dealing with cramping, which seemed to be the best-case scenario.

After the Pistons defeated the Boston Celtics, the head coach, JB Bickerstaff, confirmed it to be true.

via @omarisankofa: JB said Ausar was cramping at the end of the game. They'll let him rest and see how he's doing tomorrow

Thompson left the game after starting and seeing the court for nearly 27 minutes. During that time, the young veteran shot 3-6 from the field and went 1-2 from the free throw line. Thompson contributed to seven points on the night.

Defensively, Thompson came down with six rebounds while snatching five steals. He was a major presence on the floor for Detroit as they picked up one of their most impressive wins of the season.

Although the score was knotted at 55 during halftime, the Pistons had a major second-half showing, which allowed them to pick up a 117-97 victory. The Pistons advanced to 33-26 on the year.

For Thompson, he seems to be back in the starting lineup permanently. After easing his way back on the court after missing the first 18 games of the 2024-2025 season. Since becoming a full-time starter, Thompson has averaged 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block in 21 games leading up to Wednesday’s action.

Thompson’s status for Friday’s game against the Denver Nuggets is unclear, but it seems he isn’t in danger of missing time.

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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

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