DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons are [likely getting back a handful of impact players](https://www.mlive.com/pistons/2026/01/pistons-share-latest-on-cunninghams-injury-veteran-forward-ready-to-get-going.html) for their first game after a four-day gap in their schedule against the Phoenix Suns.
But, they will be without reserve big man Paul Reed, who was a late addition to the injury report and will miss Thursday’s game at Little Caesars Arena due to personal reasons.
The good news for the Pistons is guard Cade Cunningham is active after missing the last two games with a wrist contusion. And there’s a strong chance top front-court contributors Jalen Duren (ankle), Tobias Harris (hip) and Isaiah Stewart (illness) will all return after practicing this week and being listed as probable on the latest injury report.
The Pistons still managed without many of their top producers, going 3-2 since Harris went down before the New Year and the others all missing some of the first few games of 2026.
Reed was a crucial part of the Pistons’ depth showing up as he made four straight starts, averaging 8.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals in 26 minutes per appearance. He’s typically played about 12 minutes per game this season.
His absence does come at a decent time with the potential return of the Pistons’ front line, looking to help them from starting a tough stretch of six games against teams with winning records over the next two weeks in a positive way.
Devin Booker out for return to Michigan
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While it might not be bad news for the Pistons, the Suns will be without star guard Devin Booker, who is dealing with a left ankle sprain.
Booker, a Grand Rapids, Michigan native, continues leading Phoenix in his 11th NBA season, posting 25.2 points and 6.5 assists per game. Born and raised in Grand Rapids and spending his freshman year at Grandville High School, Booker has always worn his pride for Michigan on his sleeve.
The four-time All-Star is frequently wearing apparel from other Detroit sports teams like the Tigers and the Lions.
“Detroit sports is my life,” Booker said during a visit to Detroit in 2023. “I’ve been a fan of all of them, Detroit Red Wings, Pistons, Tigers -- and obviously the Lions. Just touching back into my roots, how I grew up. Every Sunday has always been family time, watching Lions games.”
No Booker for the Suns, joined by his teammates Jamaree Bouyea (concussion), Jalen Green (hamstring). But Phoenix still presents a tough matchup with forward Dillon Brooks having a career year in his first with the organization.