The Detroit Pistons are hosting the Washington Wizards on Thursday. While the Pistons have a 4-1 record in the last five games, the Wizards hold a 3-2 record. However, competing against the No.1 seed in the East won’t be an easy task for Washington, who are 14th in the same conference. Therefore, they need force on the floor. And who, but their fresh trade, Anthony Davis, could do it better?

Is Anthony Davis playing vs the Pistons?

No, Anthony Davis won’t suit up for the Washington Wizards vs Detroit Pistons on Feb 5. Earlier in January, AD sustained a hand ligament injury while playing for the Dallas Mavericks against the Utah Jazz. Medical reports say that the star will be out for at least six months.  And Davis is still recovering from his injury. Therefore, he will miss the game against the Pistons with his new team.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks, in a blockbuster move, traded the 32-year-old veteran to the Wizards on Wednesday. AD, along with De’Angelo Russell, Dante Exum, and Jaden Hardy, moved from the West to the East.

In exchange, Dallas acquired Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, along with two first-round draft picks and three second-round selections. After the trade, the Mavs emptied a solid $69.12M from payroll, while new arrivals added nearly $44.12M. That’s a $25 million save, which softens the blow of the risks of second apron penalties.

Now, coming to the ongoing season, Anthony Davis suited up for the Mavericks 20 times in 2025-26. He averaged 20.4 ppg, 11.1 rpg, and 2.8 apg.

Washington Wizards vs Detroit Pistons: Injury Report

Washington Wizards

Now, the Washington Wizards continue to juggle health setbacks. Tre Johnson remains sidelined with an ankle issue and will stay inactive for Thursday’s visit to Detroit. Cam Whitmore, meanwhile, is recovering from a serious venous condition and will miss the entire 2025-26 season. Trae Young also remains unavailable due to knee and quadriceps problems, with doctors planning an evaluation after the All-Star break.

Meanwhile, Jaden Hardy joins Washington and carries a day-to-day tag. Dante Exum arrives with a knee injury and remains out, while Anthony Davis manages a finger problem, and D’Angelo Russell battles illness. Interestingly enough, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported, “the expectation among sources is that Davis and Young will play very little, if at all, the remainder of the season as the Wizards chase lottery luck, and that both stars will get long-term deals this summer.”

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Detroit Pistons

On the other hand, the Detroit Pistons will have to manage several availability concerns ahead of the clash with Washington. Daniss Jenkins remains unavailable while on a two-way contract. Dario Saric also stays sidelined following his recent move and will not suit up. Meanwhile, Tobias Harris carries uncertainty due to soreness in his left hip. Cade Cunningham also faces game-time doubt as the team carefully monitors his right wrist.

Tolu Smith stays out despite posting nine points, 14 rebounds, one assist, four blocks, and one steal in 26 minutes during Saturday’s 98- 92 defeat against the Clippers. Additionally, Kevin Huerter arrives through a three-team trade and currently handles a back issue, placing his status in question.

Predicted starting lineup for Washington Wizards vs Detroit Pistons

Keeping in mind the injury updates, here’s the predicted starting five for both teams:

An intriguing East vs East matchup awaits. Little Caesars Arena will light up at 7 P.M ET for all the basketball action. Now we’ll see who takes a win home.