Roundup
Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers
Detroit Pistons
Indiana Pacers
Milwaukee Bucks
Pistons stay perfect with win over Heat, Central Division roundup
The Pistons remain unbeaten, the Bulls bounce back in Milwaukee, and the Pacers absorb a loss and key injuries in a busy day for the Central Division.
By the PickALeague Newsroom · Published · Source: PickALeagueSummary written with AI assistance — how we workLire en français →
The Detroit Pistons have seized an early lead in the Central Division. Their 128-111 win over the Miami Heat pushed them to 2-0 and put them alone on top of a group already dealing with uneven results and a wave of injury storylines.
Bulls and Caleb Wilson bounce back in Milwaukee
After a rough opener in Toronto, the Chicago Bulls answered with a 132-125 road win over the Milwaukee Bucks to even their record at 1-1. Hoops Rumors notes that No. 4 overall pick Caleb Wilson, who struggled with nine turnovers and poor shooting on Wednesday, responded with a strong performance in Friday’s matinee in Wisconsin, an encouraging sign for the rookie after his debut.
The loss drops Milwaukee to 0-2 and leaves the Bucks at the bottom of the Central, already chasing the rest of the division just two games into their schedule.
Pacers overrun by Dallas amid injury concerns
The Indiana Pacers slipped to 1-1 with a 121-105 home loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The game turned testy when Mavs star Cooper Flagg injured his shoulder on a flagrant foul by Pacers wing Aaron Nesmith, according to CBS Sports. Hoops Rumors, citing Christian Clark of The Athletic, adds that Flagg exited with a left shoulder injury after being fouled hard by Nesmith on a fast break.
Indiana’s injury list grew longer when Hoops Rumors reported that shooting guard Ben Sheppard has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee, a status the team confirmed in its latest injury report. Head coach Rick Carlisle said the injury occurred during Wednesday’s win. The same outlet also points out that the Pacers are among 17 teams that opened the season carrying just 14 standard contracts, leaving one roster spot open.
Pistons on top, Cavaliers idle but in the news
Behind Detroit’s 2-0 start, the Bulls and Pacers sit at 1-1, with the Bucks bringing up the rear at 0-2. The Cleveland Cavaliers (0-1) were idle but still made news: per Hoops Rumors, LeBron James said the Cavaliers were in the mix during his free agency before he ultimately chose Philadelphia.