Tobias

Harris

Harris, a 15-year NBA veteran, did a lot of good things for the Pistons in his latest two-year stint with the team. He was a starter on the court and a positive influence off the court for a young team with NBA Finals aspirations. Sound familiar? Harris, who turns 34 later this month, is slated for a similar role with the Spurs. Fantasy expectations should still remain low for Harris.

Having performed admirably throughout the postseason, Harris appeared to run out of gas in the second round. After scoring 20 points or more in each of the first three games, the veteran forward totaled 40 points in Games 4 through 7. On Sunday, Harris failed to make a shot from the field, prompting some to flash back to his final game as a 76er, when he went scoreless in Game 6 loss to the Knicks in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. In recent years, Harris has exceeded expectations in fantasy basketball. Whether he does the same in 2026-27 depends on where he’ll be, as Harris will be an unrestricted free agent.

Harris had scored at least 20 points in eight consecutive playoff games and the Pistons were 5-3 in those games. His streak came to an end with 16 points in Monday’s loss in Game 4 and points were even tougher to come by for Harris in Game 5. The 33-year-old power forward had just 13 points on 19 attempts from the field. Harris’ off-game came at the wrong time for the Pistons as Duncan Robinson (back) was out, which only heightened the need for more scoring.

Harris scored in double figures on Monday, but did so on inefficient shooting. The veteran forward did most of his scoring damage in the first half, which played a part in Detroit’s success through the first two quarters. He scored just two points in the second half, while the Cavaliers’ offense woke up and overpowered Detroit. Harris will have a chance to bounce back in Game 5, which the Pistons need to win to avoid falling behind in the series.

Harris continues to provide reliable scoring, having now scored 20 points or more in each of his last eight games. The Pistons’ forward shot the ball well in Game 3, making 50 percent of his attempts from the field overall. However, Harris recorded no assists or defensive stats after being responsible for two steals and two blocks in Detroit’s Game 2 victory. With Jalen Duren (11/4/1/2) and Ausar Thompson (nine points, seven rebounds, five assists and two blocks) continuing to underwhelm, this places more pressure on Harris to perform.

Harris was steady throughout Thursday’s contest. He picked his spots and never dominated, but found solid production in each of the four quarters, ultimately leading to his seventh straight 20-point game of the postseason. In Game 2, his scoring production came from a combination of strong three-point shooting and effective scoring inside the arc in Game 2. He rounded out his strong performance by tallying seven boards and four stocks on the defensive end. The veteran has remained a valuable piece for the Pistons throughout the playoffs. He’ll have a chance to produce again in Game 3.

Harris spent much of the series punishing his former employer. His series-high 30-point outing on Sunday put the finishing touches on a seven-game showing in which he averaged a strong 21.6 points and 8.1 rebounds. He led Detroit in three-pointers in Game 7 and tied a team high with four stocks. The veteran forward often functioned as the Pistons’ second-best performer throughout the series. He’ll be counted on in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Harris may have shot just 35 percent from the field in Game 6, but he has been a consistent offensive presence alongside Cade Cunningham in this series. Despite spraining his left ankle during Game 5, the veteran forward logged 38 minutes on Friday, and he’s scored at least 20 points in each of the last four games. Harris’ double-double was his second of the series, and the Pistons will need a similar effort in Game 7, especially if Jalen Duren (8/9/1) continues to struggle.

Initially questionable after spraining his left ankle during the Pistons’ Game 5 victory on Wednesday, Harris is good to go. He’ll take on his usual role within the starting lineup and has been one of the Pistons’ most consistent players in this series. Detroit will need a similar effort from Harris if they’re to force a decisive Game 7 on Sunday.

Harris sprained his left ankle during Wednesday’s Game 5 victory over the Magic but remained in the game. The veteran forward has been one of Detroit’s most consistent players in this series, so not having him would make a major difference. If Harris can’t play, Javonte Green is a potential replacement in the starting lineup.