Indianapolis — The Pistons suffered a 24-point loss on Friday to the New York Knicks, the first of a back-to-back that concludes on Saturday against the Indiana Pacers.
It’s the first set of three back-to-backs within the first eight games of the season for the young Pistons, and they’ll need to forget losses like that rather quickly in order to remain present for the next task at hand.
“A lot of young guys that are just trying to learn how to have a short-term memory and not get too high or too low,” Saddiq Bey said on Friday. “We played well the first game. We could’ve been better this game, and now we get to use what we learned from film for (Indiana).”
The Pacers (0-2), also playing the second game of a back-to-back, are seeking their first win after Friday’s 137-134 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton, who ranks second on the team in scoring (15.3 points) finished with a double-double of 27 points and 12 assists.
Bey had an impressive showing against the Knicks with 26 points and seven rebounds, one steal and one block. He appeared more poised and comfortable with his shot than in recent games, connecting on 4-of-8 from 3-point land.
“I try to have a clear mind and trust the work, no matter what type of game it is,” Bey said. “I feel confident in myself no matter what. It’s a blessing to be able to play again. We play again (Saturday) so I just gotta take advantage of it.”
Isaiah Livers available vs. Pacers
Isaiah Livers could make his season debut on Saturday against the Pacers after struggling with a sore hip over the past two weeks.
The second-year forward was not listed on Saturday’s injury report, which means he’s available to play.
As expected, Pistons forward Marvin Bagley (right knee) and guard Alec Burks (left navicular fracture) will not play.
Bagley is expected to miss another two to three weeks. Coach Dwane Casey told reporters before the team’s loss to the Knicks that he doesn’t know what the timetable is for Burks.
“It’s not right around the corner,” Casey said. “I’m not going to put a date on it, but no, he’s not close.”
If Livers is able to go, it adds another scoring threat in the Pistons’ second unit. He’s one of the team’s best three-point shooters and he’s a capable defender at the wing spot.
Stewart’s competitive drive kicks in
Isaiah Stewart is known for his intensity on the defensive end, and this year he’s stepping into a leadership role for the Pistons.
During the second quarter of Friday’s loss to the Knicks, Pistons guard Jaden Ivey fouled Jalen Brunson and attempted to help pick him up. However, Stewart pulled the back of Ivey’s jersey away from Brunson, signaling to the young rookie that they should stick together.
The moment went viral on social media as it reminded some of the passion and spunk that the Bad Boy Pistons played with.
“You know how I am. I’m just competitive,” Stewart told The Detroit News after the game. “We getting our a– kicked right now. Let’s stay together. That’s just how I am. Ivey knows that’s just how I am.”
When asked about the sequence, Ivey said he had no issue with Stewart’s competitive nature was trying to emphasize.
“Isaiah’s a dog, man. He’s a competitor,” Ivey told The News. “He gives 100% on every single play. He’s a beast down there in the post. I have no words about Isaiah giving 110% effort every night. He’s going to give it all for this team and I’m looking forward to competing all season with him and we’re just going to have a clear memory from this loss.”
Pistons at Pacers
Tipoff: 7 Saturday, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
TV/radio: Bally Sports/97.1
Outlook: Both of the last two regular-season meetings between Detroit and Indiana were decided by five or fewer points, and the Pistons won both matchups. Bojan Bogdanovic returns to Indiana, where he played from 2017-19, averaging 16.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
mcurtis@detroitnews.comTwitter: @MikeACurtis2