Game Preview: Pistons Finish Preseason with Test Against Raptors
While the Pistons(3-2) continue to roll in the preseason, picking up three straight wins, they will play their toughest game yet tonight against the Toronto Raptors(3-2).
In the Raptors last game, they beat San Lorenzo 122-105. Point guard Fred VanVleet led the way for Toronto, scoring 31 points. He also had five rebounds and five assists in the game. Norman Powell added 17 points in the contest. The Raptors rested nearly every key player on their roster in that game, giving their younger players and training camp invites a chance to showcase their skills.
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Toronto will be without forwards Terrence Ross and Jared Sullinger.
The Detroit Pistons come into the game after making an impressive comeback against the Milwaukee Bucks to capture their third win of the preseason. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in the win. Andre Drummond added 12 points and 13 rebounds. Henry Ellenson had 14 points. Tobias Harris continues to impress, going for 16 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in the win. Detroit has won three straight games.
The Pistons are banged up, as they cannot elude the injury bug. Marcus Morris is battling knee tendinitis but is expected to play in tonight's game. Stanley Johnson who missed last game with a foot injury is also expected to play. Tobias Harris broke his nose against the Bucks, while Aron Baynes broke his at practice yesterday. Aron Baynes will not play tonight.
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Roster Update: The Pistons waived forward Nikola Jovanovic on Monday. Their roster now stands at 17.
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Probable Starting Lineups
Detroit Pistons
PG: Ish Smith
SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
SF: Marcus Morris
PF: Tobias Harris
C: Andre Drummond
Toronto Raptors
PG: Kyle Lowry
SG: DeMar DeRozan
SF: DeMarre Carroll
PF: Jared Sullinger
C: Jonas Valanciunas
This is Detroit's final game of the preseason. Expect Stan Van Gundy to use key players mainly tonight. It is Lorenzo Brown's final chance to prove he should be the backup point guard, as Ray McCallum played in Detroit's game against Milwaukee.
Featured image: Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press