Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart apparently is worse for wear two weeks after incurring a right great toe sprain during Detroit’s December 15 loss to the Sixers. According to a press release from the team, Stewart will be shelved for the next 10-to-14 days to recuperate from the injury.
After initially missing two games on Dec. 16 and 18, Stewart had been attempting to play through the toe injury. He returned for three games before sitting out Thursday’s loss to Boston.
It’s troubling news for the Pistons, who are currently riding the worst single-season losing streak in NBA history, with 28 losses and counting. Stewart, 22, has been the club’s starting power forward all season. Through his 28 healthy games, he has posted averages of 10.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.6 blocks across 30.7 minutes per night.
Marvin Bagley III and Kevin Knox are candidates to start in Stewart’s place, while fellow No. 2 lottery pick James Wiseman could get increased run off the bench.
Detroit has ostensibly winnable contests on its docket in the immediate future, with sub-.500 teams on the schedule for two of the next three games. The Pistons will match up with the 12-18 Raptors on Saturday and then have a date with the 13-19 Jazz on January 3. But not having one of their best frontcourt players available could certainly hurt the Pistons’ chances of securing their first victory since October.