| Detroit Free Press
Dwane Casey explains how Josh Jackson injury hurt Detroit Pistons in loss
Dwane Casey explains why he likes 2-game series NBA has implemented this season, and how Josh Jackson injury hurt Pistons in loss to Celtics, Jan. 3, 2021.
Detroit Pistons
Blake Griffin will miss the Detroit Pistons‘ road game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday due to injury management. It’s the second game he’ll miss this season during a back-to-back, and the third game he’ll miss overall.
Josh Jackson will also miss Monday’s game after spraining his right ankle on Sunday against the Boston Celtics.
Griffin missed last Monday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks for rest, and missed Friday’s game against the Celtics while going through concussion protocol.
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After Griffin played 18 games last season and had surgery on his left knee in January, the Pistons (1-5) appear to be easing his work load as he reacclimates himself to playing in NBA games. He’s averaging 31.5 minutes per game this season, which includes leaving after the first half against Golden State last week after a blow to the face. He played 35 minutes in the season opener and 44 minutes in a double-overtime loss three days later.
Griffin and Jackson’s absences could open additional minutes for rookie Saddiq Bey, who has started two games thus far, and Svi Mykhailiuk, who played 15 minutes Sunday and scored 13 points in the fourth quarter.
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Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @omarisankofa. Read more on the Detroit Pistons and sign up for our Pistons newsletter.