Central Notes: Pistons, Bulls, Pacers, Cavs

The Pistons lost their season-opener vs. the Bulls, but Detroit coach Dwane Casey is far from panicked.

“We played well defensively,” Casey said, via Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press. “The decisions offensively broke our back. Our margin for error is small. They made some tough shots, and we missed a lot. It sounds simplistic, but we missed a lot of shots we normally make. Some wide-open 3’s.

“Again, that’s growing pains for us. I think they’re a very powerful offensive team. They have a bunch of shot-makers. I thought we made it tough on them, and I applaud our effort. Again, it goes down in those situations and the decisions we make with the basketball in crucial situations.”

Detroit was without No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham, whose NBA debut has been delayed by a sprained ankle.

“He’s pretty much day-to-day, but we need to ramp him up and get some conditioning going and get him acclimated to going full speed in 5-on-5,” GM Troy Weaver said. “Hopefully, we’ll get him back sooner than later, but I would anticipate hopefully seeing him when we get back off the road.”

More from the Central

• Meanwhile, the new-look Bulls received some fine performances from some old faces, most notably Zach LaVine. Of course, newcomers Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan also played well. “We have a lot of work in front of us, but I give the guys a lot of credit for grinding through the game,” coach Billy Donovan said.
• As you likely know by now, Pacers rookie guard Chris Duarte was outstanding in his debut, erupting for 27 points. But it all went for naught, as Indiana lost by a point to the host Hornets. “I never played in front of a crowd like that. But I felt great. That’s what I work for, moments like that, you know. And I’m ready.”
• In case you missed it, I threw together some dribbles on the Cavs’ season-opening loss. You can check those out on Hoops Wire right here.