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Detroit Pistons Could Get Key Player Back vs Spurs

The Detroit Pistons have upgraded Tim Hardaway Jr. against the Spurs.
Justin Grasso|
Mar 15, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) shoots on Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Mar 15, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) shoots on Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

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Detroit PistonsSan Antonio Spurs

On Tuesday, the Detroit Pistons hope to get their starting forward, Tim Hardaway Jr., back in the mix.

According to the official NBA injury report, Hardaway has been upgraded to questionable for the matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. He is still dealing with a right ankle sprain.

As the Pistons took on the Dallas Mavericks last week, Hardaway rolled his ankle nearly eight minutes into the game. After going back to the locker room with assistance, the Pistons ruled out the sharpshooter for the remainder of the game.

After the matchup, Hardaway was seen wearing a walking boot, which was a bad sign. However, his veteran teammate, Isaiah Stewart, had a positive update on Hardaway, easing the idea that bad news could be on its way from the Pistons.

It seems Hardaway dodged a notable injury. While the veteran forward was not a part of Sunday’s action at home against the New Orleans Pelicans, his upgraded status for Tuesday’s action suggests that even if he doesn’t get cleared to take on the Spurs, he shouldn’t be out for much longer.

Without Hardaway, the Pistons couldn’t close out their matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. A two-game winning streak was snapped as the Pistons lost 123-117 to the Mavericks.

Fortunately, the Pistons bounced back on Sunday afternoon. Without Hardaway and the veteran guard, Cade Cunningham, the Pistons managed to defeat the Pelicans 136-130. They moved to 40-32 on the year. Heading into Tuesday’s game, the Pistons trail the fifth-seeded Milwaukee Bucks by just 0.5 games.

Hardaway’s status remains unclear. He could end up being a game-time decision for the 7 PM ET tip.

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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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