After missing the first 10 games of the regular season, Detroit Pistons forward Blake Griffin has been cleared for NBA action and will make his season debut for Monday’s contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

After missing 10 games to start the season, Detroit Pistons forward Blake Griffin plans to make his season-debut against Minnesota on Monday, league sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 9, 2019

THE PRODIGAL SON HAS RETURNED!!!

The Pistons will finally have their star forward back in their starting lineup. Griffin is the focal point of Detroit’s offense as the team’s leading scorer from last season (24.5 points per game). Having Griffin back on the court again will help replenish the team’s lack of diverse scoring. The Pistons currently hold a record of 4-6 and are 9^th in the Eastern Conference standings.

Thursday, it was reported that the Pistons upgraded Griffin’s health status to day-to-day as he was sidelined with a sore left hamstring and posterior left knee soreness, dating back to the preseason. In his absence, the team had to make up the void of Griffin’s scoring with help from the rest of their team—relying on role players such as Langston Galloway, Christian Wood, and others to help carry the load.

Andre Drummond has stepped up and assumed the role of captain in Griffin’s absence, and has since become Detroit’s primary scoring option. He currently leads the team with 21.2 points per game. With Griffin coming back, he will represent another scoring threat on the floor and will keep defenses honest with his ability to get a bucket in the post and on the perimeter. Even if Griffin is not completely 100% to regain the mantle of primary scoring option, he still will be the Piston’s best playmaker and help create shots for his teammates—he was the team’s leader in assists last season with 5.4 assists per game.

The news of Griffin’s return could not have come at a better time. Detroit has been commendable in their pursuit of being competitive in their attempts to win games—but with the loss of their best player (coupled with the loss of both Derrick Rose and Reggie Jackson to injuries) Detroit has sadly struggled to win games. Hopefully with the mere presence of Griffin back on the court, the Pistons could regain some of their scoring mojo.

When Griffin is slated to return November 11^th, they face the Minnesota Timberwolves with their dynamic scoring center in Karl-Anthony Towns.

(Featured image courtesy of Kirthmon F. Dozier/Detroit Free Press)