Game Preview: Avery Bradley Returns as Pistons Face Banged Up Heat

The Detroit Pistons(20-15) will have key offseason acquisition, Avery Bradley, available for the first time in seven games, as they travel to Miami to take on the Heat(19-17) tonight at 7:30p.m.

Detroit picked up a shocking win on Saturday when they limited the Spurs to a season-low 79 points in a 93-79 win over San Antonio. Rookie Luke Kennard poured in 20 points in what was his best outing so far of the season. Andre Drummond was the steady hand he has been all year, scoring 14 points, corralling 21 rebounds, and dishing out six assists with no turnovers in 38 minutes of play. Reggie Bullock was the leading scorer with 22 points on 4-7 shooting from the 3-point line. Detroit has won six of their last eight games, with their two losses coming at the hands of the lowly Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic.

Avery Bradley will make his first appearance in seven games for Detroit, as he returns from a groin injury. He has averaged 15.7 points on 41.4 percent shooting from the 3-point line and two assists per game this year.

The Heat was blown out by the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night 111-87. Josh Richardson led the way with 19 points, while Hassan Whiteside aided with 17 points of his own. Former Michigan Wolverine, Caris Levert, finished the game with 12 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds for the Nets. Miami then responded with a 117-111 win over the Magic on Saturday, when Tyler Johnson scored 31 points in 39 minutes of play. It was a much better performance for Miami who has struggled with consistency all season.

Injuries

Detroit remains without Reggie Jackson(ankle), Stanley Johnson(hip), and Jon Leuer(ankle). As previously mentioned, Avery Bradley(groin) will return tonight.

Miami will be without Okaro White(foot), Rodney McGruder(leg), Justise Winslow(knee), and Dion Waiters(ankle) are all out. James Johnson(ankle) is questionable and considered a game-time decision.

Probable Starting Lineups

Detroit Pistons

PG: Ish Smith

SG: Avery Bradley

SF: Reggie Bullock

PF: Tobias Harris

C: Andre Drummond

Miami Heat

PG: Goran Dragic

SG: Tyler Johnson

SF: Josh Richardson

PF: Kelly Olynk

C: Hassan Whiteside

Featured Image: Duane Burleson/Associated Press