Curious about Tim Hardaway Jr.‘s condition following his recent on-court injury? As fans discuss the Detroit Pistons’ nail-biting NBA Cup opener against the Miami Heat, many are also concerned about Hardaway’s recovery and when he might return to the lineup.
Here’s a quick look at Tim Hardaway’s injury, recovery, and its impact on the Pistons.
How did Tim Hardaway get injured?
Tim Hardaway Jr. suffered a frightening injury during the Detroit Pistons’ 123-121 overtime win against the Miami Heat. The game, played on November 12, 2024, was their NBA Cup opener.
The incident happened in the third quarter. While defending, Hardaway took an accidental elbow to the jaw from Heat center Bam Adebayo. Moments later, he collided with Tyler Herro while trying to defend a layup. Hardaway hit his head hard on the court, causing visible pain and bleeding.
The severity of the collision left Hardaway lying on the floor for an extended period while the Pistons’ training staff attended to him. He was eventually wheeled off the court with a towel over his head. Despite the alarming visuals, a post-game update revealed that CAT scan results came back negative, and Hardaway needed stitches but avoided a more serious injury.
When will Tim Hardaway return to play for Pistons?
A specific timeline for Tim Hardaway Jr.’s return has not yet been established. Although his CAT scan results were encouraging, the team will likely take a cautious approach to ensure his full recovery. Hardaway’s next steps will include monitoring for concussion symptoms and healing from the head and facial injuries he sustained.
Before his injury, Hardaway had scored 11 points in 19 minutes. His performance significantly boosted Detroit’s momentum. Known for his scoring consistency, he averages 12.6 points per game and shoots 47% from beyond the arc this season. His absence will undoubtedly be felt.
The Pistons, now 5-7, face a tough stretch ahead. Their NBA Cup schedule includes matchups against the Bucks and Raptors. While the team showed resilience in their recent win, they eagerly await Hardaway’s return. They hope to improve on last season’s struggles as the campaign progresses.
