Paul

Reed

There were rumors over the past week that Detroit could be open to moving Stewart, but this is clearly a cost-cutting move. Stewart’s departure should open the door for Paul Reed to become the backup center behind Jalen Duren, barring other moves. Stewart should fill out the backup center minutes in Memphis behind Zach Edey. The Grizzlies were the worst rebounding team in the league after the All-Star break last year, but with Edey healthy and Beef Stew in town, the frontcourt should be far more formidable next season.

Stewart, who has two years and $30 million remaining on his current contract, saw his playing time decrease during the postseason due to Detroit’s search for more playmaking alongside Cade Cunningham. To address that issue this summer, Beef Stew could be used to make something happen. And in a separate report, NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote that Stewart is “bracing” for a move elsewhere. In 58 games last season, Stewart averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 22.7 minutes. Backing up Jalen Duren has lowered Beef Stew’s fantasy ceiling; a move to a place where he would play more could change that. And if Stewart were to be traded, that would free up additional opportunities for Paul Reed.

An afterthought for most of the first three games of this series, Reed has emerged as a key contributor due to Jalen Duren’s struggles. However, both played well in Game 6, which is why the Pistons will host Game 7 on Sunday. Reed, a double-digit scorer in four straight games, finished with a career-high point total and was a steal shy of a complete stat line. Isaiah Stewart played just four minutes on Friday, and his playing time is likely to be limited on Sunday as well.

Reed started and played 22 minutes with Jalen Duren (knee) out Sunday. The 26-year-old center had another excellent game filling in for the Pistons’ All-Star big man. Reed literally didn’t miss. His ability is an open secret, but fantasy managers will have to wait until Reed has a starting role of his own for his fantasy stock to truly ascend.

Duren is the lone Pistons regular on the injury report for Sunday’s regular-season finale, even though Detroit’s playoff seeding won’t be affected by the outcome. Isaiah Stewart is available, but most of Duren’s minutes may be absorbed by Paul Reed, as Beef Stew only recently returned from a strained calf.

Back in the Pistons’ rotation after a 13-game absence with a strained calf, Stewart played 11 minutes off the bench on Wednesday. He didn’t miss a shot against the Bucks, and while the rebounding production was underwhelming, Beef Stew’s mere presence on the court makes a difference for the Pistons. Paul Reed played 10 minutes, finishing with 10 points, three rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot. Wednesday’s game was one the Pistons won comfortably, which likely impacted Stewart’s minutes. But the focus is on ensuring he’s sharp for the playoffs, which begin on April 18.

Stewart is closing in on a return to action after having last played on March 13. It would be optimal for him and the Pistons to get in some game action before the playoffs. Paul Reed may lose out on some playing time, but it’s highly unlikely that Beef Stew would take on a full workload immediately.

Harris is back after sitting out Monday’s loss to the Magic. Paul Reed moved into the starting lineup, playing 19 minutes. With Harris available, Reed will head back to the bench.

Green didn’t get the starting nod with Tobias Harris (knee) sidelined, but he started the second half of this game in place of Paul Reed. He played 27 minutes to Reed’s 18 and was far more productive. Detroit has already locked up the top seed in the East, so Harris could get more rest days this week, which may lead to more minutes for Green. He has been a solid rotation piece for them, but he hasn’t had many games as productive as this one.

Detroit will roll out a two-big starting unit for this game, with Reed starting in place of Tobias Harris (knee). Huerter also joins the starting unit with Duncan Robinson (hip) out for this game.