DETROIT — With postseason standings at stake, the Detroit Pistons may have to adapt without one of their key players, Tim Hardaway Jr. The veteran guard suffered a right ankle sprain during Friday’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
The injury occurred midway through the second quarter when Hardaway rolled his right ankle on Mavericks’ P.J. Washington’s foot. He limped to the locker room and did not return. After the game, Hardaway was seen leaving the arena in a walking boot.
Hardaway remained out when the Pistons hosted the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday to start their three-game homestand. Prior to the game, coach J.B. Bickerstaff said he was unsure how long the Pistons would be without Hardaway, but understood his absence would affect his team.
“We miss Tim and how ferocious of a competitor he is, obviously his shot-making ability and his willingness to compete on the defensive end,” Bickerstaff said. “His leadership style is one of the things that makes him a pure competitor — he’s willing to do whatever, and our guys love it. They love to see him fight and talk trash even outside of basketball, so those are the things we are going to miss.”
This season, Hardaway has appeared in 67 games, averaging 10.3 points on 39.9% shooting from the field and 35.9% 3-point shooting. He has scored 20 or more points five times this season. Hardaway’s best performance came during the Pistons’ 123-114 win over the Toronto Raptors, where he scored a season-high 27 points with seven made 3-point field goals.
“(He and I) talk and stay on the same page,” Bickerstaff said. “We’ll always protect our guys and make sure that they’re ready to go when they come back. I can’t give you an exact day on the return.”
Originally Published: March 23, 2025 at 4:30 PM EDT