Duncan Robinson has been ruled out for Game 5 against the Cavaliers due to low back soreness. Daniss Jenkins will start in his place as the series is tied 2-2.
Key points
Duncan Robinson ruled out for Game 5
Injury due to low back soreness
Daniss Jenkins to start in his place
Series tied 2-2
Robinson averaged 11.5 points in playoffs
Detroit PistonsCleveland CavaliersDuncan RobinsonDaniss Jenkins
Pistons rule out Duncan Robinson with injury before Game 5 vs Cavaliers
Robinson appeared in the Pistons' first 11 games of the 2026 playoffs, averaging 11.5 points on 43% shooting from the floor (43.6% on 3-pointers), 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 31 minutes.
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CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to Game Four against the Detroit Pistons in the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
May 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; T-shirts line the seats prior to game four between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) warms up before game four between the Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) warms up before game four between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Cavaliers vs. Pistons, Game 4 photos
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to Game Four against the Detroit Pistons in the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
1 / 4
Cavaliers vs. Pistons, Game 4 photos
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to Game Four against the Detroit Pistons in the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
2 / 4
Cavaliers vs. Pistons, Game 4 photos
May 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; T-shirts line the seats prior to game four between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
3 / 4
Cavaliers vs. Pistons, Game 4 photos
May 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) warms up before game four between the Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
4 / 4
Cavaliers vs. Pistons, Game 4 photos
May 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) warms up before game four between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Pistons in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Jenkins also appeared in the Pistons' first 11 games this postseason, averaging seven points on 32.9% shooting from the floor (24.3% on 3s), 2.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 19.3 minutes.
The Cavs did not list any players on their injury report for Game 5.
Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.
