Detroit Pistons rookie Killian Hayes has right hip strain, doubtful to play Wednesday

Detroit Free Press

Omari Sankofa II
 
| Detroit Free Press

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Detroit Pistons rookie point guard Killian Hayes has a right hip strain and is doubtful for Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, according to the team’s injury report Tuesday evening.

Hayes was scheduled to undergo an MRI early Tuesday.

It’s potential good news for both the Pistons and Hayes, who left Monday’s game against the Bucks shortly after halftime after suffering what appeared to be a noncontact hip injury.  

With 10:36 left in the third quarter, Hayes had the ball stolen and fell while contesting a transition layup attempt by Jrue Holiday. Hayes rolled on the court in pain, and was unable to immediately stand up as he grabbed his right thigh area. He stayed on the floor and was attended to by the Pistons’ medical staff. He eventually walked off the court to the locker room under his own power. 

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Hayes had seven points and an assist in 13 minutes before his injury. Through seven games, he’s averaging 4.6 points, 3.6 assists, 1.1 rebounds and 2.4 turnovers in 21.1 minutes per game. He has left two contests early because of injury (ankle sprain vs. Golden State, Monday’s game). Hayes is shooting 28.3% overall (13-for-46) and is 5-for-20 on 3-pointers. He’s 1-for-2 from the foul line.

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The Pistons drafted Hayes, 19, to be their point guard of the future with the seventh overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft in November. He has struggled offensively to start his career as he transitions from playing in Europe, though his defense has been a positive. 

If Hayes misses time, it would clear minutes for Delon Wright, who has split time between both guard positions early in the season. Wright was the backup point guard when Derrick Rose missed a game earlier this season. 

Two-way guard Saben Lee, who the Pistons drafted in the second round in November, could also crack the rotation and make his NBA debut. Pistons coach Dwane Casey said Monday he wants to find playing time for Lee, an athletic 6-foot-2, 183-pounder out of Vanderbilt.

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