Curry is recovering from an adductor strain he suffered on November 8 against the Milwaukee Bucks at home. The two-time league MVP hasn’t played since then.
On the season, Stephen Curry is averaging 29.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game while shooting 51.5 percent from the field, 49.2 percent from beyond the arc and 92.3 percent from the free-throw line. The sharpshooter got into a car accident last Friday, but he was not injured and was in good spirits at the team’s practice facility afterwards.
The Warriors are about to embark on a five-game road trip which starts on Thursday against Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors. After that, Golden State will face off against the Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks.
The Warriors have an offensive rating of 124.4 when Curry is on the court. That rating drops to 114.2 when he is not playing. Golden State recently lost four games in a row for the first time in the Steve Kerr era. The team has bounced back with three-straight wins over the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and Orlando Magic, all at home.
Golden State enters the game against the Raptors with a record of 15-7, second place in the Western Conference. Once Stephen Curry comes back, the rest of the NBA better watch out.
AUBURN HILLS - Andre Drummond enjoyed a fine all-around game Sunday, with 19 points, 16 rebounds and five steals.
But he struggled from the free-throw line, going 1 for 8. He didn't want that gnawing at him when he left Little Caesars Arena, so he went back on the court to practice free throws following the Detroit Pistons' 118-107 victory over Phoenix Suns.
"I actually got undressed and then I thought about it. I can't leave on that note," Drummond said. "Even though we had a good game and I played well, I didn't want to leave with that taste in my mouth of missing so many, because it's been a while since I missed that many in a row. I just wanted to get a couple up, see the ball go in."
Drummond takes a lot of pride in his improvement from the line last season, when he converted on 60.5 percent, after making just 38 percent his first five years in the league.
This season he had made 54.7 percent before Sunday. Suns coach Igor Kokoskov used the hack-a-Dre strategy, one that Drummond dealt with earlier in his career, to put him on the line midway through the fourth quarter.
After Drummond missed 5-of-6 in a span of 46 seconds, coach Dwane Casey took him out of the game.
"I hate doing that because he has improved his free-throw shooting," Casey said. "I don't want to do anything psychologically to him. We're getting stops, but they were coming down and getting threes. We were trading one (made free throw) for threes and that's not a good deal, so that was the main reason we took him out.
"The best way to keep people from doing that is knock down your free throws. And Andre will. No question in my mind he's going to make shots. He does it every day in practice."
Drummond said he wasn't upset about being taken out.
"I was more frustrated at myself, putting myself in a situation to have him take me out," Drummond said. "Down the stretch of games, I need to be better at making those free throws. Even if it's just one out of two, it's better than missing both. I've been doing great all season at knocking down shots at crunch time. Can't let that happen again and move on from it."
Drummond believes this was an aberration and isn't concerned his free-throw shooting will regress.
"It feels like I'm doing everything the same, it just wasn't going in," he said. "Just regroup, reset my mind and get back in that flow again."
The Pistons (10-7) face the New York Knicks Tuesday at LCA (7 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit). The Knicks (7-14) have won three in a row.
Kennard update: Luke Kennard, who suffered a sprained right AC joint on Oct. 25, hasn't been cleared for contact.
"Still working his way through," Casey said. "He can do non-contact stuff with us right now, so probably another week is a good gauge for him."
Ticket promotion: The Detroit Pistons are offering a special holiday ticket package called the "Pistons Holiday Pack" available through Dec. 24. Starting at $150 in the upper level and $300 in the lower level, the package includes two tickets to any three regular season games using the Pistons Mobile App (based on availability). In addition to the tickets, each pack includes a signed Blake Griffin hat and three months of unlimited car washes courtesy of Jax Kar Wash (a $75 value). To purchase the "Pistons Holiday Pack" visit www.pistons.com.
Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond pulls down a rebound during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Detroit. The Pistons lost, 113-103.
San Antonio Spurs' Lonnie Walker IV pauses on the court after injuring his leg during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Friday, Oct. 5, 2018, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 117-93. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) less
San Antonio Spurs' Lonnie Walker IV pauses on the court after injuring his leg during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Friday, Oct. 5, 2018, in San Antonio. San ... more
Photo: Darren Abate, Associated Press
Photo: Darren Abate, Associated Press
San Antonio Spurs' Lonnie Walker IV pauses on the court after injuring his leg during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Friday, Oct. 5, 2018, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 117-93. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) less
San Antonio Spurs' Lonnie Walker IV pauses on the court after injuring his leg during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Friday, Oct. 5, 2018, in San Antonio. San ... more
Photo: Darren Abate, Associated Press
Walker hopes to return to Spurs 'very soon'
SAN ANTONIO – Injured rookie guard Lonnie Walker IV is confident he will be back with the Spurs "very soon" following a rehab stint in the G League.
Speaking to reporters after practice Tuesday with the Austin Spurs at the Spurs practice facility, Walker said his injured knee feels "great." The workouts with the developmental squad mark a significant benchmark in his recovery from the right medial meniscus tear he suffered in the preseason.
"It feels like I am back to Lonnie Walker," he said. "Just continue to find my rhythm and everything. But day by day, it is nothing but improvement. Every day, I can see significant difference on my leg and just how I play overall."
Walker, who the Spurs selected 18th overall in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft, is scheduled to play for the Austin Spurs at 7:30 p.m. Friday when they host the Agua Caliente Clippers at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. The Austin Spurs are scheduled to end their practices in San Antonio on Wednesday after beginning the workouts with Walker on Sunday.
"I will be playing down in Austin for a few days, (with) minute restrictions and stuff," Walker said. "Just trying to get a rhythm, get a feel for the game. It's been a little while, so my time will be come. It's going to be very soon and I will be officially back up (with the Spurs)."
Walker injured his knee in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 5 and underwent surgery three days later. He suffered the same injury in July 2017 before he began his one season with the Miami Hurricanes.
"Any adversity that comes my way, it's easy for me," he said. "I have a very strong mentality and I know how to approach this. It's my second time doing this, and I know how to work on it and keep that confidence level at an even keel."
Walker credited his teammates, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, general manager R.C. Buford and Spurs great Tim Duncan with "continuing to encourage me." He also said he has tried to be patient with the recovery process.
"You got to crawl before you can walk and walk before you can run," he said. "So, it's all about stages and taking steps little by little until it's my opportunity. And when it comes, hopefully, I can play the best I can play. "
Good things happened when Blake Griffin headed to the basket. That allowed the Detroit Pistons to roll to another victory.
Griffin didn't make a 3-point shot but he still delivered another All-Star caliber performance in the Pistons' 115-108 win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday. He scored 30 points as the Pistons won their third straight — all at home — and seventh in their last nine games.
Griffin scored 13 third-quarter points and fouled out rookie Mitchell Robinson before the quarter ended. He has reached the 30-point mark six times this season.
Reggie Jackson added 21 points, all in the first half.
Johnson provides another spark
Stanley Johnson and Langston Galloway have carried the second unit in recent games and that trend continued in the first half.
Johnson had nine points, three rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block in 12 first-half minutes. He finished with 21 points, the sixth time he has notched double digits in his last nine games.
Johnson entered late in the first quarter and made an immediate impact. He drained a 3 with the shot clock winding down, then made a transition scoop shot.
He had another transition layup early in the second quarter and set up Zaza Pachulia for a three-point play.
Johnson knocked down a corner 3 in the final minute of the third quarter after the Knicks crept within six points. He drove in and converted a pair of conventional three-point plays early in the fourth when the Pistons reestablished a double-digit advantage.
In the final minute, Johnson soared on a Knicks fast break to swat an Allonzo Trier layup try.
Galloway also had nine points by halftime, including a 3-pointer and a conventional three-point play.
Drummond can't shake free throw woes
Andre Drummond had a quiet night offensively, as he scored six points, all in the second half. His free throw issues also continued.
Coach Dwane Casey had to take out Drummond during crunch time in the Pistons' 118-107 win over Phoenix on Sunday. The Suns intentionally fouled Drummond while trying to stage a fourth-quarter rally and Drummond missed five of six free throw attempts.
Drummond worked on his foul shooting immediately after the game and was spotted practicing them shortly before Tuesday's game. It didn't matter, as he missed all four of his attempts in the first half.
He didn't have any luck from the field, either. His half of futility was capped by blown dunk when the ball slipped from his grasp.
Drummond finally got on the board with a layup early in the third.
Hardaway, Burke can't find the range
Former Wolverines Tim Hardaway Jr. and Trey Burke had a rough shooting nights for the Knicks.
Hardaway, the starting shooting guard, had 19 points but shot 5-for-15 from the field. He also bumped heads with center Enes Kanter when Kanter was setting a screen for him early in the third. Hardaway kept shaking the cobwebs out of his head the next few possessions but didn't need to come out of the game.
Burke, the backup point guard, shot 1-for-8 from the field and scored six points.
Over the years, Detroit Lions fans have run their fair share of athletes and coaches out of town.
This time last year, fans were in a frenzy, with the focus of their frustration aimed at head coach Jim Caldwell and tight end Eric Ebron. Fans often lambasted Caldwell despite the fact he recorded winning seasons in three of his four years and developed Matthew Stafford into a pro-bowl quarterback.
Ebron, meanwhile, was called a bust and was mocked and booed each time he made a mistake.
Now both are gone and fans are still trying to find someone to blame. Their focus has now shifted to Stafford and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter.
It wasn't long ago that Cooter was credited as the catalyst of the Lions' offensive success as a way of overlooking Caldwell's impact. Remember when fans and media personalities joined together to praise Cooter while refusing to credit Caldwell for Stafford's progress?
Yet without Caldwell, Stafford has clearly regressed and so has Cooter in his handling of the offense Caldwell established. It hasn't been the only area the Lions have struggled. Under first-year coach Matt Patricia, the Lions have regressed in nearly every way imaginable. That includes quarterback play, where Stafford has struggled to copy the success he had under Caldwell.
So many fans have said its now time to move on from Stafford. Those calls from fans have led to media speculation and more pressure for the Lions to contend with. Somehow, these fans don't remember what the team looked like before Stafford brought stability to the quarterback position.
Detroit went without a single victory before Stafford and without him, it would instantly become one of the worst teams in the NFL. Stafford is the least of Detroit's problems. But if you were to listen to fans, he's the top issue facing the franchise.
Somehow they ignore general manager Bob Quinn and his handling of the roster. Or Patricia's handling of nearly everything on the field. Playing for the Lions now means navigating through a toxic environment established from a fan base that can turn on you at a moment's notice.
At the first hint of adversity, fans are ready to jump ship and say in unison, 'Same ole Lions' and hiss and boo the players.
Somehow they overlook the fact that the common denominator in all of the Lions' lack of success this past half-century has been its toxic fans.
Each week, they say they hate the Lions and then show up at games waiting to unleash their pent-up frustrations. Each week they pressure the media to blame someone, and every couple of years they are faced with yet another rebuilding project.
These are the same fans that have experienced dark days with every Detroit sports franchise. The Detroit Pistons were terrible before Isiah Thomas and after he retired. The Detroit Red Wings were terrible before Steve Yzerman for how many years? Even now, the Red Wings will get beat, 5-1, and fans will still be willing to give the team another chance.
The Detroit Tigers were so bad for so long before Mike Ilitch became George Steinbrenner and spent money in droves.
But somehow, despite all of these struggles, fans became the most toxic toward the Lions. I still remember how fast they turned on Barry Sanders when he retired, or how they chided Calvin Johnson and said he was expendable during his final year, only to complain when he retired.
This toxic fan base has become the biggest impediment to the team's progress. Detroit's players may never say it, but they see just how fast fans here turn on them. It's become so easy to point the finger as a Lions fans. But one of these days fans will have to account for the damage they also caused.
There have been many Eric Ebrons who didn't realize their potential here before moving on to greener pastures. I hope Matthew Stafford isn't next.
Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Joseph_Hayes11.
Detroit Pistons coach Dwane Casey gives an update on Reggie Bullock, who is dealing with an ankle sprain. Nov. 2, 2018. Vince Ellis, Detroit Free Press
This week’s Detroit Pistons mailbag examines the adjustment period of an important player and the status of Reggie Bullock.
I also recall my favorite one-season wonder TV series.
I wonder if the de-emphasis of the mid range shots has screwed him up. Those floaters are his bread and butter
BROOKLYN, N.Y. – A glum Reggie Jackson slowly dressed.
Minutes earlier, former teammate Spencer Dinwiddie had ruined the Pistons’ Halloween with 22 points in the fourth quarter and overtime of the Brooklyn Nets’ 120-119 victory at Barclays Center.
Dinwiddie’s winning 3-pointer sent the Pistons (4-3) to their third-straight loss.
Jackson struggled through an 8-for-23 shooting night in scoring 21 points, which isn’t very efficient.
He missed a potential winning shot in regulation.
It dawned on me.
Of all the players on the roster, the Pistons starting point guard has the greatest adjustment under first-year coach Dwane Casey.
And a couple of Twitter followers agree.
After a solid start, Jackson’ discomfort at playing off the ball is apparent.
During the skid, Jackson is shooting 30 percent from the field and 22 percent from 3-point range.
After 3 ½ seasons as the Pistons’ primary ballhandler, he’s adjusting to the new reality of offense being run through Blake Griffin.
And he is sharing duties in two-point guard lineups with Ish Smith and Jose Calderon.
“I’m just figuring it out day by day,” Jackson said. “I’m just going through the process and trying to be patient. I’m taking it a day at a time and just trying to get better.”
Jackson’s usage rate is at 24 percent, a Pistons low since he was acquired at the February 2015 trade deadline.
Griffin’s usage is near 30 percent.
And it’s more than ballhandling.
Casey’s shot spectrum (3-pointers or shots at the rim) frowns on midrange jumpers and the floating one-handers that Jackson has spent a lifetime of effort.
He was more aggressive and appeared to break the spectrum at times.
He took four two-pointers outside the paint, missing them all.
Casey said in late-game situations he’s not as concerned with getting to the rim because officials are reluctant call fouls at crunch time.
But he understands what Jackson is going through.
“I feel for him,” Casey said Friday. “He’s had to make the biggest adjustment of anybody.”
But he’s confident Jackson will find his way.
The 3-point shot will be there.
He will find softer defenses with secondary pick-and-rolls.
“There’s a lot of other players handling the basketball besides Reggie when he’s used to being ball-dominant so it’s an adjustment, Casey said.
@Vincent_Ellis56 what was your favorite show that was cancelled too soon (i.e. only made it a season or less)
The Cartoon Network’s “Star Wars: Clone Wars” will return.
But all lasted more than one season.
“My So-Called Life” usually lands atop such lists, but I know Claire Danes from “Homeland” — not her star-making turn as a teen (although my ex loved the show).
I thought of Fox’s “Almost Human,” but is it the best?
I went deep within the memory banks and go with “Battlestar Galactica.”
The hype machine was in overdrive when it adorned magazine covers before premiering in the fall of 1978.
Capitalizing on “Star Wars” fever and starring a known actor in Lorne Green of “Bonanza” fame.
As a budding sci-fi fan, I loved the adventures of Captain Apollo and Lieutenant Starbuck.
The intergalactic struggle against Cylons was riveting to a 10-year-old.
The ratings were good — at first.
But you can imagine production costs were high. With declining ratings, it was killed after one season — thus depriving us of this.
And this.
It earns my top spot for its staying power.
It’s spawned reboots, films, books, comics and video games.
I struggled with this game shortly before my PlayStation 2 died in the 2000s, thus ending my gamer days.
I bet younger readers would be surprised to learn the original series only lasted one season.
Even I had to double-check to make sure my memory was correct.
If you want to check out the original series (full of 70s camp), it’s available at YouTube.
Do you have any info on the severity of Bullock's ankle injury?
Casey provided the details, calling Pistons swingman Reggie Bullock (right ankle sprain) doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
“He’s still a little sore,” Casey said. “We’re going to see how it goes. Doubtful would be the word. We’re still going to hold the card to see how he goes tomorrow.”
Casey said he hurt it guarding a screen-and-roll in the first half against the Nets, a reaggravation from an earlier injury.
It occurred in the first quarter. He tried to return briefly near the end of the first half. He was ruled out at halftime.
Bullock received treatment Thursday night and Friday morning.
Bruce Brown got the start in the second half, but Casey was noncommittal if Bullock can’t go.
Why has he not been playing. Out played brown in summer league by far. Brown has been good, great defense. But would still like to see what Thomas can do when he's the 3 and D guy we drafted
Fans get part of their wish with second-round pick Khyri Thomas — at least partly.
The team assigned Thomas — along with Henry Ellenson — to the Grand Rapids Drive, the team’s Gatorade League affiliate.
Thomas fell behind when he suffered a right hamstring injury during Las Vegas Summer League action.
Casey revealed recently Thomas had other nagging injuries throughout the offseason.
Bruce Brown has shown more early in their careers, although he was selected a few spots after Thomas.
Pistons fans can catch their first glimpses of Thomas on Friday night when the Drive faces the Erie (Pa.) Bayhawks and Saturday when the Windy City Bulls visit the DeltaPlex Arena.
Pistons' Dwane Casey says poor shooting night more about missing open looks, not Hornets defense. Why is Blake Griffin struggling? Nov. 11, 2018. Vince Ellis, Detroit Free Press
The Detroit Pistons were able to crush the Atlanta Hawks without scoring production from Blake Griffin.
They couldn’t make it consecutive such outings Sunday afternoon at Little Caesars Arena.
The Charlotte Hornets took control in the second half on the way to a 113-103 victory.
Two nights after scoring six points against the Hawks in a 15-point victory, Griffin scored 10 points on 4-for-16 shooting.
Griffin was frustrated by no-calls during the game.
He received a technical foul early, and was ejected with 7:06 remaining after receiving a flagrant-1 after a hard foul against the Hornets’ Malik Monk.
Pistons coach Dwane Casey defended Griffin after the game.
"He's getting hit on a lot of shots," Casey said. "That frustration builds up and he's had a lot of load on him. Bringing the ball up the floor, handling the basketball, being a point forward and then going down in the paint and battling down there.
"I think it's taking it's toll on him so I got to do a better job of getting him some more relief, getting him out of the game a little bit more, finding places he can rest."
"Officials are not going to change the way they're calling it so we have to adjust, but I do think he's getting banged and hit down there."
After a lengthy wait for Casey to sit at the postgame podium, Griffin wasn't available by the time the locker room was open to reporters.
Andre Drummond had his fifth 20-20 game of the season with 23 points and 22 rebounds.
But he was no match for Kemba Walker and Tony Parker.
The Pistons struggled to stay in front of Walker, who finished with 24 points.
Parker, the longtime San Antonio Spur, scored 24 points for the Hornets (7-6), who surged to a 21-point lead in the second half.
Reggie Bullock scored a career-high 23 points on 6-for-9 shooting from 3-point range.
But the Pistons (6-6) struggled from 3-point range, shooting 12-for-45 (26.7 percent).
Bad 3-point shooting has been a regular occurrence for the Pistons.
Casey rattled off the areas where the Pistons had the advantage Sunday.
"We got a 104 shots up, 10 turnovers and shoot 39 percent," Casey said. "I would say it was a lot of us.
"The analytical people say we had four bad 3s and that still leaves us 41 (good attempts). They're a good defensive team, I'm not taking anything away from them. They came in here and did what they had to do, but we're our own worst enemy in certain situations."
The Pistons had 22 offensive rebounds and converted them into 26 second-chance points.
"I think we played hard and played the right way," Reggie Jackson said. "We brought energy and I think we took good shots. They just didn't go in. I think it was too much up and down of our energy, that was the biggest thing.
"We just have to find a way to be consistent for 48 minutes."
Former MSU standout Miles Bridges, in his rookie season with the Hornets, scored eight points on 3-for-4 shooting.
“I think he’s going to be looked at in another week, it’s been put off for another week,” Casey said after Saturday’s practice. “I was with him this morning and he was moving his arm pretty good, but they’re going to be cautious with him.”
Scouting report: This is the first game of the four-game season series, with the Heat making their second visit to Detroit on Jan. 18 before the first of the teams' two meetings at AmericanAirlines Arena. … The teams have split the four-game series in each of the past three seasons, with the Heat 2-6 in their last eight road games against the Pistons, including 0-2 since Little Caesars Arena opened last season. … The game concludes a three-game trip for the Heat and will be followed by a four-game homestand. … The Pistons in the offseason replaced former Heat coach Stan Van Gundy with former Raptors coach Dwane Casey. … The Pistons in the offseason added Jose Calderon, Zaza Pachulia and Glenn Robinson III, with former Miami guard Bruce Brown added in the second round of the June NBA draft. … This is the lone home game for the Pistons over a six-game span, with a 3-1 home record. … The Pistons are coming off Saturday's 109-99 loss in Philadelphia, despite Blake Griffin closing with 38 points and 13 rebounds. Detroit shot 5 of 30 on 3-pointers in that loss, Detroit's fourth in a row. … The Heat enter on a three-game losing streak, coming off Saturday's 123-118 loss in Atlanta. … Dion Waiters (ankle) and James Johnson (hernia) are out for the Heat, with Goran Dragic (foot) questionable, and Duncan Robinson and Yante Maten on G League assignment. … For the Pistons, Luke Kennard (shoulder) is out, with Reggie Bullock (ankle) doubtful and Keenan Evans and Zach Lofton on two-way contracts.
Kristaps Porzingis (Out – Knee): There is no timetable for Porzingis to return this season, according to Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports. There is a chance he may miss a majority if not the entire season.
Courtney Lee (Out – Neck): The Knicks have listed Lee as OUT for Friday’s game (Nov. 23) against the Pelicans.
Lance Thomas (Out – Left Knee Soreness): The Knicks announced that Thomas had surgery on his left knee to remove some loose bodies from it. He will rehab and then be re-evaluated in four weeks.
Luke Kennard (Out – Shoulder): Kennard is making progress and is expected to miss about two more weeks of action, according to James Edwards III of The Athletic.
"Saturday Night Live" took a shot at the 1990 Detroit Pistons last night in its cold open.
Kate McKinnon led with her impression of the Fox News' host Laura Ingraham, spoofing their coverage of the migrant caravan headed for the U.S. border.
"And who is in this caravan?" asks Ingraham (McKinnon).
"Everyone you have ever seen in your nightmares, Laura," says Judge Jeanine Pirro (played by Cecily Strong). "It’s got Guatemalans, Mexicans, ISIS, the Menendez brothers, the 1990 Detroit Pistons, Thanos and several babadooks."
Ouch.
Those Pistons, coached by Chuck Daly, featured Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer and Dennis Rodman.
The team, dubbed the "Bad Boys" for their physical defensive play, won their second straight NBA title.
This week's "SNL" was the rare episode that didn't feature Alec Baldwin as President Trump in its cold open — perhaps because the actor was arrested Friday after he allegedly punched a man on the streets of New York in a dispute over a parking spot.
"SNL" continued to stir controversy in the episode.
Pete Davidson is catching some heat for mocking a former Navy SEAL turned congressional candidate who lost his eye in war.
The newly single Davidson stopped by the "Weekend Update" desk to offer his "first impressions" on several "gross" candidates running for office in the midterm elections.
After cracking jokes about Florida Gov. Rick Scott and U.S. Rep. Peter King (New York), Davidson took aim at Republican Dan Crenshaw.
The war veteran responded to Davidson's comments on Sunday.
Good rule in life: I try hard not to offend; I try harder not to be offended. That being said, I hope @nbcsnl recognizes that vets don’t deserve to see their wounds used as punchlines for bad jokes.
