Detroit — The Pistons suffered another blow to their starting lineup when Bojan Bogdanovic went down with a leg injury with 24 seconds left in the Pistons’ loss to the Phoenix Suns on Friday.
Bogdanovic was about to initiate a fast break when Suns forward Torrey Craig stepped on his ankle, causing Bogdanovic’s knee to buckle. He clutched his knee for nearly a minute before he was helped to his feet and escorted to the Pistons’ bench.
Following the game, Pistons coach Dwane Casey was under the belief a foul should’ve been called on Craig. Saturday’s injury report revealed Bogdanovic’s injury was right knee and ankle soreness, a relief for the Pistons because the injury appeared to be more severe.
“Very serious,” Casey said. “It was a torque action where he stepped on his ankle and it went to his knee. But it’s not as bad as it seemed, but it’s still sore and still hurting. But Bogey’s a tough kid, a tough guy. He’ll fight through it and come back from it.”
After a couple of days to review the play, Casey also stood firm in his stance and revealed the Pistons submitted the play to the league for review.
“I thought it was a foul. We turned it in. Haven’t heard anything back,” Casey said. “I thought (Craig) stepped on his foot and it impeded him from starting the fast break. It made him lose the ball, but his foot was directly on his ankle. I haven’t talked to the officials to find out what the interpretation was. I haven’t read the last two minute report, so I assume they didn’t see a foul. I thought at the time, and I still think it is a foul.”
Bogdanovic is being held out of Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, alongside Jaden Ivey (right knee soreness), Isaiah Stewart (right big toe sprain) and Cade Cunningham (right shin soreness).
Pistons forward Saddiq Bey, who has missed the last four games due to a right ankle sprain is available for Sunday’s game against the Cavaliers.
“I was texting with him and also Austin. They were back in the gym at 9, 10 o’clock the other night getting shots up. I don’t know how much he was doing with the ankle, but he’s putting in the work trying to get back and get his ankle ready. Saddiq Bey is a worker, so whatever he has to do to get back he will.”
Casey was also asked about Cunningham, who is currently weighing treatment options for his right shin soreness, which has bothered him since the preseason. The second-year guard mulling options to determine if surgery is needed to treat his left shin injury.
“I have no clue,” Casey said when asked when he expects Cunningham to be back. “It’s up to the medical group and to Cade. Whatever’s best for his health, I’m all for it. One way or the other, whatever he decides to do, I’m 100% behind him, his family, his people. I’m worried about Cleveland’s transition defense tonight. When it happens, it happens.”
Cunningham didn’t play during the Pistons’ six-game road trip, but he played his part by cheering his teammates on and adding energy from the bench.
“Cade was on the bench talking and observing,” Casey said. “I would ask him what he saw and he would give his three cents worth but we’re trying to keep guys engaged and mentally focused while they’re not playing.”
mcurtis@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @MikeACurtis2