The Cleveland Cavaliers will face a shorthanded Detroit Pistons squad in Wednesday's pivotal Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Little Caesars Arena, as the series sits deadlocked at 2-2.
Just 30 minutes before tipoff, the Pistons announced that starting guard Duncan Robinson has been ruled out due to low back soreness. In his place, Daniss Jenkins will draw the start, marking a significant adjustment to Detroit's lineup for this crucial matchup.
Robinson had been a consistent contributor throughout the Pistons' postseason run, appearing in all 11 playoff games before Wednesday. The sharpshooter averaged 11.5 points on 43% shooting from the field—including an impressive 43.6% from beyond the arc—along with 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while logging 31 minutes nightly.
This injury comes at a critical juncture for the Pistons, who have relied heavily on Robinson's floor spacing and veteran presence against a Cavaliers team led by Donovan Mitchell. With the series now a best-of-three, Detroit will need Jenkins to step up immediately to keep their championship hopes alive.
For fans tracking the action, this Game 5 promises to be a test of depth and resilience for both sides as they battle for control of the series.
