Game Preview: Pistons Host Heat Before Heading on the Road

The Detroit Pistons(9-3) face the Miami Heat(6-6) tonight at Little Ceasers Arena. The game begins at 4:00 p.m. Detroit has won four straight games. The Heat are on a two-game winning streak.

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Miami took down the Utah Jazz on Friday night in an ugly offensive performance from both sides, 84-74. Dion Waiters scored 21 points and Goran Dragic added 18 points in the win. Hassan Whiteside was limited to just eight points, but corralled 20 rebounds, blocked three shots, and notched three steals. The Heat shot just 39 percent from the field but hit a steady 10-25, 40 percent, from the three-point line. They committed 2o turnovers.

The Heat are tied for 7th place in the Eastern Conference and are 3-3 on the road this year.

Stan Van Gundy was not happy with the way the Pistons played on Friday, even after they picked up their ninth win, securing their best start to the year since the 2005-2006 season.

“They totally outplayed us in the second half,” Van Gundy said. “We offered very little resistance whatsoever and we turned the ball over. They dominated us but because we played a great second quarter and because Reggie made two huge shots, we’re able to get away with the win."

Detroit took down the Atlanta Hawks 111-104, after some late-game heroics by Reggie Jackson. Jackson nailed a couple of threes to ice the game for Detroit, as he finished with 22 points and six assists in the win. Avery Bradley was hot from the start and finished with 20 points himself. Tobias Harris and Andre Drummond each added 16 points apiece, but Drummond also finished with 20 rebounds and a career-high seven assists in the win.

Injuries

Jon Leuer(ankle) is considered questionable for tonight's game, while Stanley Johson(hip) is doubtful to play. Johnson has missed the Pistons last two games.

Rodney McGruder is out for the Heat.

Probable Starting Lineups

Detroit Pistons

PG: Reggie Jackson

SG: Avery Bradley

SF: Reggie Bullock

PF: Tobias Harris

C: Andre Drummond

Miami Heat

PG: Goran Dragic

SG: Dion Waiters

SF: Josh Richardson

PF: Justise Winslow

C: Hassan Whiteside

Featured Image: Carlos Osorio/Associated Press