Jaden Ivey's season debut has been on hold throughout the first month of the 2025-2026 NBA season.
The Detroit Pistons finally upgraded the veteran sharpshooter on the injury report heading into their Saturday night matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Pistons listed him as questionable.
On Saturday morning, the Pistons went through their routine pregame shootaround with Ivey present. According to reports, he was seen as a participant, which was another positive sign he could return to the court to make his debut this year.
Will Jaden Ivey Face the Milwaukee Bucks?
After going through shootaround, and his pregame routine, Ivey was officially cleared to make his season debut on Saturday.
Ivey hasn't played in a regular-season game since January 1. When the Pistons were battling against the Orlando Magic, Ivey went down with a leg injury, as the former Orlando guard Cole Anthony took a dive for a loose ball. Ivey was seen carted off the court and underwent surgery shortly after.
The Pistons left the door open for Ivey to potentially return. He missed the remainder of the 2024-2025 regular season. During the Pistons' round-one series against the New York Knicks, Ivey was cleared for basketball activities. However, the Pistons kept him out throughout the six-game series.
When the Pistons fired up their training camp back in October, Ivey was a full participant. He appeared in a handful of preseason games before undergoing a minor procedure on his knee. The Pistons initially placed a four-week timeline on Ivey's recovery before he would have another evaluation. Earlier this week, Ivey was assigned to the NBA G League so he could practice with Detroit's affiliate, the Cruise.
On Friday night, Ivey was recalled, which signaled he would be on pace to return as early as Saturday night in Milwaukee. Considering it's been so long since he played, Ivey will likely begin with a restriction on his playing time. Either way, the 13-2 Pistons will be glad to get their budding star back in the mix.
The Pistons and the Bucks are slated for an 8 PM ET tip.
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