Pistons forward Blake Griffin has been dealing with a sore left knee. The ailment forced him to miss Sunday night’s Game 1 affair, but Detroit head coach dwane casey is hoping he’ll be cleared to play in Game 2.
Dwane Casey on Blake Griffin’s return: “Hopefully it’s tonight.”
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) April 17, 2019
According to a report from Rob Beard of The Detroit News, Griffin was able to take part in portions of Wednesday’s practice session. However, he was wearing a large brace on his knee.
#Pistons Blake Griffin is doing some light work at shootaround today. Game 2 is tonight and he's still listed as questionable. He has a brace on his left leg. pic.twitter.com/Ynv3XxqaUd
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) April 17, 2019
If it were up to Griffin, he would have played in Game 1. In fact, he says he wanted to play, but it wasn’t his decision to make:
“If it was pain, I would easily play with pain,” Griffin told USA Today after Detroit’s blowout loss in Game 1. “If it was just my decision, I would have played.”
Several reports have indicated that Griffin would likely be out for this series, but it’s clear that he is making an effort to play. Without him, the Pistons are heavy underdogs. With him, there could be a chance. However, there is no sense in risking additional injury. The team could very well choose to hold him out until they feel that he is truly well enough to suit up. For now, he’s listed as “questionable” on Detroit’s injury report.
Game 2 between the Pistons and Bucks is scheduled to tip inside the Fiserv Forum at 8:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday night. NBA TV will have live broadcast coverage.