Raptors vs. Pistons Monday NBA injury report, odds, pick: Toronto without Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent, Pascal Siakam

One could argue that the Toronto Raptors' three best offensive players are Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. -- and none of them will play Monday night due to injury when the Raptors visit the Detroit Pistons, who will be without their best player as well in Cade Cunningham. If he were healthy, this probably would be around a pick'em at Caesars Sportsbook but Toronto is -4.5, down from an open of -5.

Siakam, having an MVP-caliber season in averaging 24.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists, hasn't played since Nov. 4 due to a groin injury and isn't particularly close to a return. We knew he was out. VanVleet missed Saturday's 118-104 loss at Indiana with an illness and isn't ready to play yet. He's averaging 18.4 points and 6.8 assists per game.

Trent (16.6 points per game) was the surprise scratch as he's dealing with hip soreness. Also out is occasional starter Precious Achiuwa (8.8 PPG, 7.0 rebounds per game) as he left last Wednesday's game with a partial tear in his right ankle, so he won't return soon. Reserve big man Khem Birch is questionable.

With all those injuries, Dalano Banton, Thaddeus Young and Christian Koloko figure to start alongside Scottie Barnes, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, and OG Anunoby. Toronto has lost three consecutive road games for the first time this season. Monday's game wraps up a three-game trip in four nights.

Detroit, coached by former Raptors coach Dwane Casey (for now anyways; he might not last much longer if the Pistons don't start playing better), will be without the former No. 1 overall pick Cunningham for at least the rest of this week with left shin soreness. He's averaging 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. Guard Cory Joseph is questionable with a hip issue. Joseph tallied seven points in 11 minutes during Saturday's loss to Boston.

The Pistons haven't been nearly as good as the Raptors over the past few years yet have won six straight in the series. One team has swept the season series in each of the last five years.

NBA pick: Pistons +4.5

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