Troy

Brown Jr.

The Pistons faced a June 30 deadline to decide whether or not to guarantee Brown’s contract for next season. The decision to waive the 2018 first-round pick frees up approximately $4 million in cap space, and the decision to move on from Brown means even more playing time should be available to lottery pick Ron Holland. Brown appeared in 22 games for the Pistons after being acquired from Minnesota, averaging 4.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.7 steals in 19.0 minutes

Brown Jr. replaces Chimezie Metu in the starting unit despite Metu having eight points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block and one block in 32 minutes as a starter in their last game. Metu should still see a large reserve role, but the streaming upside is likely gone. Ivey also returns to the starting lineup after a one-game absence. Marcus Sasser replaced him in their last game, but he is out with an illness.

With multiple injuries across the roster including Cade Cunningham (left knee injury management), the Pistons will turn to several role players to fill in the gaps in the starting lineup. That includes Metu, who was signed to a 10-day contract on Wednesday. The Pelicans are understandably 14.5-point favorites for this matinee matchup.

Fontecchio will miss a fourth consecutive game due to a toe injury, leaving Troy Brown Jr. in the starting lineup. However, Brown only played 21 minutes in Friday’s loss to the Celtics, and Evan Fournier would be a better streaming option despite coming off the bench.

With Stanley Umude out for the rest of the season, Brown Jr. moves into the starting unit to replace him. This is his first start since being traded to Detroit, and he hasn’t seen many minutes with his new team. However, he had some productive games with the Timberwolves earlier this season and could have a solid night in this game.

Stewart left Monday’s loss to the Celtics with a sore hamstring, and he has since been diagnosed with a strain. His absence frees up a spot in the starting lineup and 30-plus minutes. Troy Brown Jr. and Tosan Evbuomwan are two players who could absorb that playing time, but neither offers much fantasy value.

Maxey played 17 minutes before leaving Monday’s game, scoring five points, five rebounds, one assist, and one 3-pointer. Taj Gibson and Troy Brown Jr played rotation minutes during the first half, in case anyone needed a sign of how bad the Pistons’ frontcourt depth situation is. Neither player is worth streaming if Stewart misses time.

The Pistons are playing the second game of a back-to-back set, so it’s not surprising to see Thompson on the sidelines. Fontecchio’s injury is a new one, and if he’s ultimately unavailable, look for Evan Fournier and Troy Brown Jr. to step into larger roles.

Brown was one of three players to make their Pistons debuts in Los Angeles, and he was solid in his role. Shake Milton, who was also sent over from Minnesota in the trade for Monte Morris, played 12 minutes off the bench, finishing with four points, three rebounds, and one steal. Brown was the more productive of the two, but they play a position where there is a lot of competition for minutes. And Quentin Grimes still hasn’t made his debut for the team. It’s safe to leave Brown and Milton on the waiver wire.

Along with Simone Fontecchio, three of the players acquired at the deadline by Detroit will be available to play. Of the three, Fontecchio offers the highest fantasy upside, as he can slide into the role formerly occupied by Bojan Bogdanovic. Brown and Milton will also get minutes, with the concern for some fantasy managers being that they’ll take away some of Marcus Sasser’s opportunities.