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Will Ausar Thompson Return for Pistons-Nuggets?

The Detroit Pistons expect Ausar Thompson to be available against the Nuggets on Friday.
Justin Grasso|
Feb 23, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye (18) plays defense against Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) during the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Feb 23, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye (18) plays defense against Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) during the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images | Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

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As the Detroit Pistons took care of business against the Boston Celtics at home earlier this week, they had a bit of a health scare. Ausar Thompson looked to be shaken up, resulting in an early exit.

With the time winding down in the second half, the Pistons weren’t taking any chances with the second-year wing. Thompson was ruled out for the rest of the game. Fortunately, his setback was due to cramps. There didn’t seem to be an initial injury threat.

The official NBA injury report reflects that, as Thompson’s name was left off, deeming him available for the matchup against the Denver Nuggets.

In Thompson’s latest outing against the Celtics, he checked in for 27 minutes as a starter. The young standout produced seven points on 3-6 shooting from the field. He made noise with a highlight-worthy crossover on Jayson Tatum and also dished out two assists.

Once again, Thompson’s defense shined bright. Against the Celtics, he accounted for five steals and six rebounds. Thompson finished the game as a plus-15. The Pistons picked up their eighth win in a row.

Since early January, the Pistons have relied on Thompson as an everyday starter. Their decision to do so has paid off, as his defense and developing offensive game consistently makes a difference. Over the past 22 games Thompson played, the second-year veteran has averaged 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.

Barring any unexpected changes, Thompson will be on the court for the Pistons on Friday night. The Pistons and the Nuggets are slated for a 7 PM ET tip 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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