Waiting on injuries
With Nikola Mirotic close to a return to action, the Bucks have something of an injury wait heading into Game 1. Although, the player’s own comments following practice on Saturday suggest that could ultimately be little more than a formality.
Nikola Mirotic says he expects to play tomorrow in Game 1 vs the Pistons.
— Matt Velazquez (@Matt_Velazquez) April 13, 2019
In the visiting locker room, there’s much greater cause for anxiety, though. The Pistons’ injury list is nowhere near as extensive as Milwaukee’s, but heading into the series opener, they are faced with the unwelcome prospect of sweating it out on the health of their best player.
Blake Griffin had enjoyed a largely healthy season, a welcome change considering his history of injuries, right up until a left knee injury became a limiting factor for him down the stretch.
Griffin missed four of the Pistons’ last seven games in the regular season, including their must-win finale against the Knicks, and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday.
Without Griffin, the Pistons’ uphill challenge will become truly mountainous. Truth be told, there may not be too much of a difference on that front if Griffin tries to play through his injury at less than full strength, though.
Either way, both teams will face questions prior to tip on Sunday evening, but it’s the Pistons who will be most desperate for any semblance of good news.