Caris

LeVert

Duncan Robinson (back) was ruled out for Game 5. Despite Caris LeVert scoring 24 points in Game 4 on Monday, the Pistons have elected to go with Daniss Jenkins in the starting lineup in place of Robinson. LeVert should still have a significant role off the bench.

With Duncan Robinson (back) ruled out for Game 5, LeVert should take on a bigger against the Cavaliers on Wednesday. LeVert is dealing with a heel injury, but was ultimately ruled in. The 31-year-old shooting guard had 24 points in the Pistons’ Game 4 loss on Monday.

A massive blow for the Pistons. Robinson was initially listed as questionable with lower back soreness, but after participating in shootaround Wednesday, his absence for Game 5 comes as somewhat of a surprise. Without Robinson, Caris LeVert will take on added importance and potentially even move into the starting lineup after scoring 24 points in Game 4 on Monday.

LeVert was also questionable ahead of Monday’s Game 4, a contest in which he scored 24 points off the bench. The heel issue did not keep him from playing 31 minutes the last time out, and he’s likely to take on a similar role in Wednesday’s pivotal Game 5. LeVert will have added importance to the Pistons if Duncan Robinson (back) can’t play. a

Robinson, who attempted just two shots in Monday’s Game 4 defeat, is dealing with lower back soreness. Given the Pistons’ spacing issues with him in the lineup, they can’t afford to play Game 5 without one of their best shooters. If Robinson is limited or can’t play, Caris LeVert’s role takes on added importance.

LeVert was part of a Pistons reserve unit that performed well on Monday. In his 31 minutes off the bench, the veteran guard shot the ball efficiently and led all Detroit players in scoring. LeVert had yet to have a big scoring night during the playoffs before Game 4, having totaled just 27 points across nine games. The Pistons would likely benefit from him having a similar impact in Game 5 on Wednesday.

Huerter will miss his seventh straight game, leaving the Pistons without a key reserve scorer and shooter. Caris LeVert is healthy for Game 4 and should see more minutes off the bench as a result of Huerter’s absence.

LeVert’s upgraded status will provide the Pistons with more scoring off the bench. Despite inefficient shooting and a lack of any big scoring outputs during this postseason, the veteran wing has proven throughout his career to be able to string together points in bunches. If nothing else, he’ll serve as a threat off the bench in however many minutes he totals on Monday.

LeVert, who played 17 minutes in Game 3, is dealing with a right heel contusion. If he’s unable to play on Monday, the Pistons may look to Ron Holland to provide additional depth on the wing. Also, Kevin Huerter could pick up those minutes if he’s able to return from his adductor injury.

Huerter has not appeared in a game since Game 4 of the Pistons’ first-round series against the Magic, and that appears unlikely to change on Saturday. His continued absence means more minutes for Daniss Jenkins and Caris LeVert, with the former being especially impactful during Detroit’s Game 2 victory on Thursday.