Ausar

Thompson

Given the expectations of many fantasy managers, Thompson’s season has been underwhelming in that regard. But he had a solid night in New Orleans, shooting 50 percent from the field and finishing one rebound shy of a double-double. And even with the limited scoring output, Thompson has been close to a top-75 payer over the past two weeks.

Thompson is available after initially being probable with a right heel contusion. He’ll occupy his usual place in the starting lineup, with Jaden Ivey and Ron Holland II waiting in the wings if the heel gives Ausar any trouble.

Thompson is expected to suit up despite a heel contusion. He briefly exited Thursday’s game with a knee issue, but he was able to return. That limited his minutes, but he should be back to playing his typical role against Indiana.

Thompson appeared to tweak something in his knee early in the third quarter of Thursday’s game. While he never went back to the locker room, the Pistons’ wing did not check back into the game until about two minutes remained in the fourth quarter. Jaden Ivey (15 points, two rebounds, one assist and three three-pointers) and Ron Holland II (11 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal) picked up additional opportunities during the second half, and they may be the ones who benefit if Thompson’s injury were to be an issue.

For the first time in four games, Thompson managed to crack double figures in the points category. And he’s been a disappointment in fantasy basketball thus far, sitting well outside the top-150 in eight-cat per-game value. For a player who many fantasy managers were banking on for top-100 value, the season has reached an uncomfortable point. While few category league managers want to move on from a player with Thompson’s defensive potential, it will be challenging to get decent value back in a trade.

Thompson was integral in the Pistons’ victory Monday night. The 22-year-old small forward had 18 points and was a force both on the glass with 12 rebounds and defensively with three steals. The Pistons blew a 21-point fourth quarter lead, but Thompson had a late steal that helped them close the game out anyway.

Thompson’s Thursday evening ended prematurely, as he was ejected for making contact with an official. Of course, the question now is whether he’ll face a suspension in the aftermath. With Thompson done for the night, more minutes will be available to Caris LeVert and Jaden Ivey.

Thompson will be back after missing Detroit’s last four games. Ron Holland should be pushed back to the bench with Ausar back, though with Tobias Harris still sidelined, Holland should play a significant role off the bench.

Thompson has missed Detroit’s last four games, but he’s got a chance to take the court on Tuesday. The Pistons’ injury report remains crowded, with Cade Cunningham (hip) and Tobias Harris (ankle) also questionable and Caris LeVert (ankle) and Bobi Klintman (ankle) sidelined. Ronald Holland II, Isaiah Stewart and Javonte Green could all be in line for expanded roles if one of Thompson or Harris is out against Atlanta. Daniss Jenkins will continue soaking up minutes if Cunningham is out again.

Monday’s game will be the fourth that Thompson has missed since spraining his right ankle. Ron Holland II has been the replacement in the starting lineup, and he’s worth streaming until Ausar is cleared to return.