All Pistons

Detroit Pistons Downgrade Key Reserve vs Nets

The Pistons could miss Caris LeVert in Brooklyn.
Nov 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA;  Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) celebrates after making a three point basket against the Utah Jazz in the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Nov 5, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) celebrates after making a three point basket against the Utah Jazz in the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

In this story:


Heading into their Friday night matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, the Detroit Pistons downgraded one of their key reserves, Caris LeVert.

According to the official NBA injury report, LeVert is dealing with left knee soreness. As a result, he is questionable to play on the road in Brooklyn.

Missing action has been a trend for LeVert to begin his first stretch with the Pistons. During the team’s opening matchup on the road against the Chicago Bulls, LeVert was already dealing with concerns that didn’t affect his playing status until after the loss against the Bulls.

Following his eight-point, two-assist effort in 21 minutes, LeVert went on to miss the next three games for the Pistons. He would get a chance to return for the team’s October 29 matchup against the Orlando Magic. LeVert checked in for 15 minutes. He struggled with his shot, making just 1-5 from the field, and scoring four points.

So far this season, LeVert has struggled to hit his stride for Detroit. In his five appearances, he has averaged 18.8 minutes of action. He is shooting 36 percent from the field and draining just 30 percent of his threes, averaging 6.2 points per game.

Last season, the Pistons found plenty of success with their bench shooting, specifically from the veteran sharpshooter, Malik Beasley. The Pistons planned to bring Beasley back for several seasons, but a gambling investigation paused that idea.

Caris LeVer
Nov 3, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (8) dribbles as Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Considering the timing of Beasley’s investigation, the Pistons had to pivot quickly. During the opening hour of free agency, LeVert agreed to a multi-year deal to join the Pistons. He was expected to be a helpful replacement for the losses of Beasley and Dennis Schroder.

Although LeVert has struggled throughout the start of the season so far, the Pistons haven’t struggled to find success as a team. Heading into Friday’s action, the Pistons hold a 6-2 record. They only trail the Bulls, who have a 6-1 record to begin the year.

The Pistons and the Nets are set to tip at 7:30 PM ET. Friday’s game will be considered an NBA Cup group stage matchup.


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_