Ku Khahil here, the host of the daily Locked On Pistons podcast, with your daily Locked On Pistons newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Pistons and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
League at Large
The Orlando Magic are giving a one-fingered salute to the universe
Dec 26, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) dunks during the second half against the Miami Heat at Kia Center. | Mike Watters/Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic will never stop.
Injuries have piled up like rush hour traffic near the Disney parks. Orlando’s three best offensive players — Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Mo Wagner — are all out, the first two with rare torn oblique injuries and the latter for the season with a torn ACL. They should be dead and buried, with the funeral service concluded long ago.
Instead, the Magic keep raging, sticking out their middle fingers to the basketball gods who seem determined to throw every obstacle imaginable in their path. They’re 3-3 in the six games since the elder Wagner’s injury (including the win in which he went down in the first quarter), pairing a defense that gets more ferocious after each blow with an offense that has cobbled together just enough points to keep things interesting.
Jalen Suggs has become the de facto number-one option, a role he is ill-suited for. Suggs is shooting 41% from the field and 31% from deep, but you’d never know fromthe 37% usage (a monstrous figure) he’s posted in the last six games. The Magic’s offense looks best when someone else can help him out. Rookie Tristan da Silva has been the unlikely second banana many nights — he’s had five games in his last eight of at least 15 points after only notching one such performance in his first 23. Consistency, unfortunately, is hard to find; da Silva also had two games in his last three where he scored exactly zero points.
But there are still plenty of reasons for concern.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Injury Jaden Ivey was stretchered off the court during the game against the Orlando Magic with an apparent leg injury. The severity of the injury is yet to be determined. (Detroit Bad Boys)
Analysis The latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft offers pro comparisons and predictions, giving insights into potential Pistons’ picks and their future impact on the team. (Bleacher Report)
Fantasy Basketball Implications of Jaden Ivey’s Injury
Jan 1, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) grabs his leg as he falls to the court after being injured against the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel/Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The start of 2025 in the NBA has been nothing short of chaotic, with injuries taking centre stage. Jaden Ivey’s injury is particularly concerning, as it appears to be quite serious. The Detroit Pistons guard was having a strong game with 22 points and five three-pointers before the unfortunate incident. The severity of the injury suggests that Ivey might be sidelined for the remainder of the season, which is a significant blow to the Pistons and fantasy managers alike.
Fantasy Implications of Ivey’s Injury
With Ivey potentially out for the season, the Pistons will need to adjust their lineup. Ausar Thompson is likely to see an increase in minutes and responsibilities. Thompson’s ability to contribute across various categories makes him a valuable pickup in fantasy leagues. While his shooting may be inconsistent, his defensive stats and hustle play could provide a much-needed boost to fantasy rosters.
Malik Beasley might also see an uptick in playing time, although his recent performances have been less than stellar. Beasley is primarily a points and threes contributor, and his role could expand in Ivey’s absence. For those in deeper leagues, Marcus Sasser could become a viable option, especially if Cade Cunningham faces any setbacks.
Click the button below to see who’s rising and falling on the Bulls and Wizards.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pistons podcasts.
Detroit Pistons Success Forcing POBO Trajan Langdon To Re-Evaluate Immediate Plan Can the Detroit Pistons maintain their surprising momentum in the NBA? With unexpected success this season, the Pistons are turning heads, and fans are buzzing about their potential playoff run. This episode dives into the Detroit Pistons’ impressive performance, exploring potential trade strategies and the impact of key players like Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris. Discover how veteran players have stepped up in Jaden Ivey’s absence, and why Cunningham is being touted as a future All-Star.
Cade Cunningham’s All-NBA Potential for Detroit Pistons After Defeating New York Knicks Cade Cunningham dazzles as the Detroit Pistons secure a thrilling victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. With Cunningham’s All-NBA level performance, the Pistons are making waves in the basketball world. Can this momentum propel them into a deep playoff run?
Explore how Isaiah Stewart’s defensive prowess and Malik Beasley’s shooting brilliance reshaped the Pistons’ strategy.
Detroit Pistons’ Trade Deadline: Will Cade Cunningham Influence Moves? Can the Detroit Pistons make a splash at the trade deadline? With Cade Cunningham’s standout performances and the team’s unexpected success, the Pistons are poised for strategic moves that could reshape their season. This episode features insights from Hunter Patterson, a beat writer for The Athletic, who shares insider perspectives on the Pistons’ locker room dynamics and the impact of head coach JB Bickerstaff’s unique approach. Discover how the young roster, including players like Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson, is evolving under Bickerstaff’s leadership.
