Game Preview: Key Players Questionable as Pistons and Sixers Clash

Tonight, the Detroit Pistons(2-0) host the Philadelphia 76ers(2-1) at Little Ceasers Arena. The game tips off at 7:00p.m. It will be aired nationally on NBATV.

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The Pistons are yet to lose this season, with their most recent victory coming in close fashion against the Chicago Bulls, 118-116. Blake Griffin, who has averaged 29.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in the first two games of the season, dominated with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. Reggie Jackson added 18 points on 4-7 shooting from the 3-point line along with six assists. Ish Smith, who scored the game-winning basket, scored 15 points off the bench.

Andre Drummond was limited to just 23 minutes of action as he battled foul trouble throughout the whole game. He still recorded a double-double, finishing with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Luke Kennard shockingly did not play, and after the game, Dwane Casey told reporters that Kennard's "time will come" and that he cannot play all 15 players in every game. This is an unanticipated development, as there was a high expectation for Kennard to play a crucial role on the team this season and potentially even start for Detroit.

Detroit turned the ball over just nine times while outrebounding the Bulls 67-46, including 18-5 on the offensive glass. Detroit shot 45 percent from deep on 40 attempts.

The Sixers began the season with a loss to the Boston Celtics, but have since put together two solid performances to snag their first two wins of the season. They escaped Monday's win against the Orlando Magic with a 116-115 victory. JJ Redick led the way with 31 points off the bench. Joel Embiid was excellent as well, notching 32 points and 10 rebounds. Ben Simmons left the game after just eight minutes of play with a back injury. The Sixers were outscored by 10 points in the second half. For a team that has been consistently among the worst in the league when it comes to turning the ball over, Philadelphia did so just 10 times versus Orlando. They dished out an efficient 33 assists in the win.

Injuries

Andre Drummond(flu) did not practice yesterday and is questionable to play tonight for Detroit.

Zhaire Smith(foot), Wilson Chandler(hamstring), and Jerryd Bayless(knee) are out for the Sixers. Ben Simmons(back) and Mike Muscala(ankle) are questionable.

Probable Starting Lineups

Detroit Pistons

PG: Reggie Jackson

SG: Reggie Bullock

SF: Stanley Johnson

PF: Blake Griffin

C: Andre Drummond

Philadelphia 76ers

PG: Ben Simmons

SG: Markelle Fultz

SF: Robert Covington

PF: Dario Saric

C: Joel Embiid

Featured Image: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports