NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 29: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles during the third quarter in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Detroit Pistons will once again be without one of their most impactful defenders when they attempt to halt their recent slide.
Forward Ausar Thompson is expected to miss his third consecutive game Tuesday night as Detroit hosts the Brooklyn Nets while trying to snap a season-high four-game losing streak. The Pistons listed the defensive ace out on Monday’s official NBA injury report.
Thompson has been sidelined since suffering a right ankle sprain just two minutes into Detroit’s road matchup against the San Antonio Spurs last week. The third-year forward exited the game immediately after the play and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
The Pistons have taken a cautious approach with his recovery as the regular season enters its final stretch.
Detroit coach J. B. Bickerstaff indicated the team does not want to rush Thompson back.
“Ausar Thompson, I think, is going to be a minute,” Bickerstaff said on Saturday. “Just from where the ankle sprain was and what happened, how he was moving afterwards. We’ll keep an eye on him, see how he responds and how he recovers. Hopefully it’s not a long-term thing.”
Pistons Defensive Anchor Ausar Thompson Sidelined With Ankle Injury
Thompson’s absence has been felt immediately by Detroit.
The versatile wing has emerged this season as one of the NBA’s most disruptive perimeter defenders, capable of guarding multiple positions and igniting the Pistons’ transition offense with his instincts.
Before the injury, Thompson had been playing arguably the best basketball of his career. The 22-year-old forward was named Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month for January and continued building momentum entering March.
Over the eight games before the injury, Thompson averaged 10.5 points while shooting 60 percent from the field. His defensive activity remained elite as well, as he recorded 2.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per game during February. During that stretch, Thompson frequently disrupted pick-and-roll actions and generated transition opportunities for Detroit with his length and anticipation.
His ability to pressure ball handlers and create chaos defensively has become a defining element of Detroit’s system.
Thompson’s Absence Felt During Pistons’ Losing Streak
Detroit’s defense has noticeably missed Thompson during its recent slump.
The Pistons have struggled to maintain the same level of defensive pressure on the perimeter without their top stopper, contributing to the team’s current four-game losing streak.
Although Detroit remains in a strong position with a 2.5-game lead over the Boston Celtics for the top seed in the Eastern Conference standings, the Pistons are eager to stabilize their defense before the postseason race intensifies.
Thompson’s length, athleticism and instincts allow Detroit to switch defensively and pressure opposing guards in ways few players can replicate. Without him, the Pistons’ defensive rotations have become more vulnerable, particularly against teams with multiple perimeter scoring threats.
Ausar Thompson’s All-Defensive Team Candidacy at Risk
The injury could also affect Thompson’s chances for postseason honors.
Although Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs has emerged as the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year, Thompson has been building a strong case for All-Defensive Team recognition.
However, the NBA’s awards eligibility rule requires players to appear in at least 65 games. In addition, each qualifying game must include at least 20 minutes played.
Thompson currently has 48 games in which he played 20 or more minutes. That means he must still appear in 15 additional qualifying games to remain eligible for postseason awards.
With Detroit having 19 games remaining in the regular season, the timeline for Thompson’s return could play a significant role in determining whether he meets that threshold.
Pistons Monitoring Thompson’s Recovery During Playoff Push
Detroit remains optimistic that Thompson’s injury will not sideline him for an extended period.
Through 56 games this season, the forward is averaging 10.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 25.6 minutes per game while also contributing 1.9 steals per contest. That steals average currently ranks tied for third in the NBA.
Beyond the immediate playoff race, Thompson is also approaching an important moment in his career. The forward becomes eligible for a contract extension this offseason, making the remainder of the season particularly meaningful for both his individual résumé and Detroit’s long-term plans.
For now, the Pistons will continue to monitor his recovery closely.
Until Thompson returns, Detroit will need to find ways to replicate the defensive intensity and versatility that have made him one of the team’s most valuable two-way contributors this season.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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