Detroit Pistons’ Key Veteran Facing Potential Absence vs. Heat

As the Detroit Pistons pay a visit to the Miami Heat on Tuesday night, they anticipate potentially playing without one of their key reserves.

According to the Pistons’ injury report, the veteran guard Quentin Grimes is listed as doubtful to play against the Heat. Grimes continues to deal with right knee soreness.

If Grimes is indeed out on Tuesday night, the Pistons will miss the reserve for the second-straight game. When Detroit paid a visit to the Orlando Magic on Sunday, Grimes was downgraded to questionable leading up to the matchup.

Eventually, the Pistons ruled him out. 

Sunday’s absence marked the sixth time Grimes sat out since he joined the Pistons. While his lack of availability has been frustrating, the Pistons knew they could be facing some issues with Grimes’ availability when they traded for him last month.

Prior to his move, Grimes was already battling a knee injury as a member of the New York Knicks. His last outing with the Knicks took place against the Utah Jazz on February 1. After that game, Grimes missed the following three games for the Knicks. At the trade deadline, he was dealt to Detroit.

It took Grimes five games before he finally debuted. Against the Magic on February 24, Grimes checked in for 26 minutes. During that time, he struggled with his shot by draining just 25 percent of his field goals to produce five points.

Against his former team, Grimes collected a 24-minute shift. He showed more efficiency with his shot and scored 14 points. Over the next two games, it was clear Grimes was battling soreness. Playing in fewer than 15 minutes in both matchups, Grimes struggled in his very limited role.

Now, he could take some additional time off as his status against Miami is in jeopardy.