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Detroit Pistons head coach Dwane Casey has good and bad news on All-Star power forward Blake Griffin.
The good news is that Griffin doesn't have any structural damage in his left knee. The bad news, though, is the high-flyer doesn't feel comfortable to play on it yet.
The Pistons, who are fighting to make the postseason for the first time since 2016, have four games left in the regular-season. Griffin has missed three games in a row. Detroit lost to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.
#Pistons Casey on Blake Griffin's knee: "It’s not structural; it’s what he can tolerate. They’ve been working, trying to get it back to where he’s comfortable; he’s still not comfortable with it. The medical people made the decision until he’s comfortable and he can go with it."
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) April 3, 2019
Because Blake Griffin has an extensive injury history, the Pistons are probably playing it safe with the six-time All-Star.
Detroit is in the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. The Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic are both just a half game back of the Pistons.
One would assume should the Pistons make the playoffs that Griffin will be ready to play. But if he's not 100 percent, you run the risk of getting him hurt since he's been out of rhythm by sitting.
In 72 games this season for the Pistons, Griffin is averaging 24.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per contest. The former No. 1 overall pick is shooting 46.3 percent from the floor, 35.8 percent from the 3-point line and 74.9 percent from the charity stripe.
All of Detroit is hoping Griffin is back in the lineup sooner rather than later.