AUSAR THOMPSON NEWS

Listed as probable Thompson is probable for Tuesday's game against the Nets due to an illness.

Impact Thompson wasn't listed on the Pistons' initial injury report, so it appears the illness is a new development. Teammate Killian Hayes has missed four straight games due to an ailment, but it's unclear if the two issues are related. Thompson has started six of the team's past seven contests, averaging 8.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals-plus-blocks, but if he's available Tuesday, he'll likely operate off the bench due to Jalen Duren's (ankle) return, which will presumably shift Isaiah Stewart to power forward and Bojan Bogdanovic to small forward.

DECEMBER 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Nets Thompson will start against the Nets on Saturday, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

Impact Thompson will replace Marvin Bagley as the Pistons attempt to snap their 25-game losing streak. In 23 previous starts this season, Thompson averaged 11.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals.

DECEMBER 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Not starting Thursday Thompson isn't starting Thursday against the Jazz, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Impact Thompson started the last five matchups and averaged 9.4 points and 6.2 rebounds in 25.6 minutes per game. However, he'll retreat to the bench Thursday with Isaiah Stewart (shoulder) back in action.

DECEMBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Huge bounce-back effort Thompson provided 20 points (8-10 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-5 FT), six rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal across 33 minutes during Monday's 131-123 loss to Indiana.

Impact A combination of foul trouble and poor shooting had plagued Thompson in recent games, but the benefits of his hyper-active style prevailed Monday. Thompson's efficient night was fueled by cuts to the basket and put-back chances, which is an avenue to sustainable scoring for the rookie. He's Detroit's top defensive asset as well, in terms of playmaking and picking up tough assignments.

DECEMBER 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will start Thompson will start Monday's game against the Pacers, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

Impact With Marvin Bagley (back) and Jalen Duren (ankle) sidelined, Thompson will draw the start, while Isaiah Stewart shifts to center. Thompson started the first 18 games of the season, averaging 11.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.1 steals in 29.8 minutes, but he had seen reduced playing time to start December with the Pistons amid a terrible losing streak.

DECEMBER 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Plays 16 minutes in loss Thompson contributed four points (2-6 FG, 0-2 3Pt) and seven rebounds in 16 minutes during Saturday's 110-101 loss to the Cavaliers.

Impact Thompson picked up five fouls for the second game in a row, and that's been a recurring issue for the rookie. Over his last eight games, Thompson has averaged 4.4 fouls per contest. To make matters worse for his immediate fantasy outlook, he'll also have to compete with Bojan Bogdanovic for minutes at both forward spots with the veteran scoring 22 points in his season debut Saturday.

DECEMBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Set to play Saturday Thompson (face) is available for Saturday's game versus the Cavaliers, Johnny Kane of Bally Sports reports.

Impact Thompson has been upgraded from probable to available Saturday despite suffering a facial fracture against the Knicks. The rookie forward has been replaced by Isaiah Livers in the starting lineup and will wear a mask against Cleveland.

DECEMBER 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Listed as probable Thompson is listed as probable for Saturday's matchup against the Cavaliers due to a right facial fracture.

Impact Thompson started Detroit's first 18 games this season but moved to a bench role in favor of Isaiah Livers on Thursday. However, the rookie picked up an injury during the contest too, but it shouldn't sideline him for any games. Thompson may don a mask for a few games to ensure the facial fracture heals properly.

DECEMBER 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Moved to second unit Thompson will come off the bench for Thursday's game against the Knicks, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Impact The Pistons haven't won a game since Oct. 28, so it was inevitable that changes were coming. Isaiah Livers will replace Thompson in the starting lineup, but it would be surprising if Thompson didn't maintain a significant role.

DECEMBER 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scores 16 points in loss Thompson contributed 16 points (8-14 FG, 0-2 3Pt), four rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals over 28 minutes during Monday's 126-107 loss to the Wizards.

Impact Thompson's rebounding total was his lowest of the campaign, but he had a nice night offensively, finishing as Detroit's second-leading scorer. This was his first double-digit scoring effort over his past five games, and his 14 field-goal attempts were the most he has taken in a contest since Nov. 5. Thompson isn't yet a consistent scorer, but he's provided a well-rounded skill set, averaging 11.4 points, 9.5 boards, 3.1 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 steals over 30.3 minutes through 17 games.

NOVEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Meet the Pistons' Ausar Thompson, the NBA's new 6-foot-6 'unicorn' The rookie has a chance to do something only two players in NBA history have ever done.

NOVEMBER 24, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Well-rounded production in loss Thompson contributed 21 points (9-12 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-6 FT), eight rebounds, five assists, two blocks and three steals over 35 minutes during Tuesday's 126-120 loss to Atlanta.

Impact Thompson had posted double-digit rebounds in three consecutive appearances leading up to Tuesday's matchup, and although he couldn't replicate that production in the loss to Atlanta, he was a dominant presence for the Pistons. He posted a season-high 21 points and was active on the defensive side of the ball. The rookie is still shooting just 14.8 percent from beyond the arc to begin his professional career, but he's otherwise gotten off to a fast start, averaging 12.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.3 steals in 32.1 minutes per game.

NOVEMBER 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Season-high 16 boards Thompson finished with nine points (2-9 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 5-7 FT), 16 rebounds, two assists and one block over 32 minutes during Sunday's 119-108 loss to the Bulls.

Impact Thompson has been a hit-or-miss player offensively, but his rebounding and defensive production have been superb. The rookie is currently averaging 11.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals in 31.8 minutes per game. That's a solid foundation, but there are still a few holes in his game, most notably a poor three-point shot (15.4 percent on 2.4 attempts per game).

NOVEMBER 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Another all-around performance Thompson finished Monday's 120-109 loss to Golden State with 16 points (6-10 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and four steals across 38 minutes.

Impact Thompson has recorded at least 10 tallies of one category in eight games in a row, as he extended his double-digit scoring streak to five games with another impressive outing here. Unfortunately, he came three rebounds shy of putting up a double-double. The rookie has flashed elite two-way potential in his first eight games, averaging 12.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.5 steals across 31.3 minutes per game.

NOVEMBER 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Fills stat sheet admirably Thompson notched 14 points (6-14 FG, 2-3 3Pt), nine rebounds, four assists, four blocks and four steals in 38 minutes during Sunday's 120-106 loss to the Suns.

Impact Thompson has been an absolute stat-filling machine, and while draft experts considered him one of the most NBA-ready prospects in the 2023 NBA Draft, he has outplayed even the most optimistic expectations to begin the season. He's unlikely to continue putting up these numbers throughout the entire campaign, but he's showing the ability to contribute on both ends of the court on a regular basis. Regression is likely to happen sooner than later, but he's making strides on offense as well, and he has now scored in double digits in four straight outings.

NOVEMBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Produces another well-rounded line Thompson tallied 16 points (8-14 FG, 0-3 3Pt), seven rebounds, two assists and two steals across 30 minutes in Wednesday's 110-101 loss to the Trail Blazers.

Impact Thompson has flashed mostly on the defensive end through the first week of his NBA career and did so again Wednesday, but he's beginning to complement his rebounding and turnover-creating plays with more production as a secondary scorer. He's now hit double figures in the points column in both of his last two outings, after averaging 6.3 points on 26.1 percent shooting from the field in Detroit's first three contests. Like most rookies, Thompson will likely struggle with efficiency during his first season in the NBA, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect major improvement from the 39.2 percent mark from the field he's turned in through five games. That said, the solid all-around numbers Thompson provides in the counting categories has more than made up for his poor percentages and probably makes him worthy of a roster spot in 10-team leagues and deeper.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Records double-double in loss Thompson accumulated 15 points (6-14 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal across 31 minutes during Monday's 124-112 loss to the Thunder.

Impact Thompson had his best game of the season and recorded the first double-double of his young NBA career. The rookie is just four games into his pro career but is already showing signs of the two-way star he might become, as he has notched double-digit rebounds in three outings in a row while also dishing out at least three assists in each game. Four games is a small sample size, but Thompson has been one of the top rookies in the first week of the season with averages of 8.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.5 blocks per contest.

OCTOBER 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Ausar Thompson on Ausar Thompson: Pistons rookie dissects film of his game Ausar Thompson breaks down some of his film from the preseason.

OCTOBER 30, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Impressive all-around effort Thompson totaled nine points (3-7 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 12 rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal in 31 minutes during Saturday's 118-102 victory over Chicago.

Impact Thompson has struggled with his shot at times and has gone a combined 6-for-23 over his first three regular-season appearances, but the rookie has made his presence felt on the glass with 31 total rebounds in that span. Thompson must develop confidence with his shot, though that should happen as the season progresses. If fantasy owners are patient, the benefits could be rewarding due to the early signs he's showing as a potential all-around contributor.

OCTOBER 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Finds ways to contribute Thompson finished Friday's 111-99 victory over the Hornets with six points (2-9 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 13 rebounds, six assists and one block over 30 minutes. He also had three turn...

Impact Thompson never got going offensively, but his versatile box score contributions are a huge and sustainable part of his game. The 20-year-old looks comfortable with the ball in his hands, and his supreme athleticism will help overcome some offensive clunkers throughout his rookie campaign.

OCTOBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Dazzles on defense in debut Thompson produced four points (1-7 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds, five blocks and three assists over 27 minutes during Wednesday's 103-102 loss to the Heat.

Impact While the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft struggled offensively, Thompson made a big impact on the defensive end and delivered more blocks than the entire Miami roster. The Pistons won't lean on him too heavily out of the gate, but once he gets comfortable, the 20-year-old has the skills and athleticism to be a valuable fantasy asset as a rookie.

OCTOBER 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Puts up team-high 18 points Thompson delivered 18 points (5-8 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 6-8 FT), eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block across 22 minutes in Thursday's 118-116 preseason win over the Thunder...

Impact Thompson was impressive on both ends of the court, filling the stat sheet and ending as the team's leading scorer despite playing just 22 minutes, though that latter figure was in line with the rest of the players who started the game. Thompson has seen his stock rise in the preseason and is expected to open the regular season as a starter on Opening Night against the Heat on Oct. 25.

OCTOBER 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE