The Detroit Pistons are grappling with concerns about their bench production. One of the biggest worries coming into the series was how the Pistons’ bench would stack up against their opponent’s.
Jenkins vs Schroder
In a recent game, Daniss Jenkins won the battle with Dennis Schroder, who had four turnovers and a technical foul. However, Schroder also got to the rim a few times and changed the pace of the game. Jenkins scored 12 points.
The opposition’s bench outscored the Pistons’ backups by eight points. Slowing down key players while keeping the pressure on Schroder will be important for the Pistons.
Bench Scoring Woes
Outside of Jenkins, the Pistons don’t have much scoring on their bench. Isaiah Stewart hasn’t looked right. Ron Holland will get you some energy points, but mostly in transition. Javonte Green is mostly just a garbage man with an occasional corner three, which really leaves Caris LeVert as the guy the Pistons desperately need to step up.
There haven’t been many signs that’s going to happen, as LeVert has missed a ton of layups and otherwise hasn’t shot the ball much. Detroit could really use the guy they thought they were getting when they inked him to a two-year deal.
Cunningham’s Heavy Workload
Cade Cunningham played 42 minutes in a recent game, mostly because things started to fall apart immediately every time he was off the floor. Cunningham has been very good in these play-offs. He is carrying the Pistons on both ends of the floor.
If one player is unavailable, then the Pistons will need something out of another to keep pace with the opposition’s bench, which could be the X-Factor in this series.