Game Preview: Pistons Kick Off New Era Versus Intriguing Nets
NBA basketball is back. Most importantly, Detroit Basketball is back! Tonight, the Pistons open the season against the Brooklyn Nets, at 7:00 pm. Detroit will open the season at Little Ceasers Arena, their home since last season.
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For both of these teams, it is their first game of the season. However, the two met in the preseason, with Brooklyn escaping the matchup with a 110-108 win in overtime.
Detroit has high expectations for the season. This will be the first full season with Blake Griffin on the roster, they added depth in the offseason, specifically in Glenn Robinson III and Zaza Pachulia, and they hired reigning Coach of the Year, Dwane Casey.
The Pistons went just 2-3 in the preseason but ended on a high note in a dominating victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the win, Blake Griffin shined with 29 points, five assists, and three rebounds. Andre Drummond flourished himself, compiling 21 points and 15 rebounds. The showing was clearly Detroit's best of the preseason, as they shot 46.7 percent from the 3-point line, dished out 31 assists, and committed only nine turnovers.
Brooklyn's final preseason game ended in victorious fashion with a win over the New York Knicks. It was a balanced win for the team, as nine players scored in double figures, but Spencer Dinwiddie led the way off the bench, with 19 points and three assists. D'Angelo Russell, who is looking to stay healthy and break out this season, finished with 18 points and eight assists in 31 minutes of action.
Injuries
Detroit may or may not be at full health for today's opener. Stanley Johnso, who recently suffered a toe injury at practice is questionable to play.
The Nets will be without Allen Crabbe(ankle), as he suffered an injury in the opening minutes of their preseason game against the Pistons. DeMarre Carroll(ankle) is out. Alan Williams(ankle) and Shabazz Napier(hamstring) are also out. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson(groin) is questionable to play. He did not play in any of Brooklyn's preseason contests.
Probable Starting Lineups
Detroit Pistons
PG: Reggie Jackson SG: Reggie Bullock SF: Stanley Johnson PF: Blake Griffin C: Andre Drummond
Brooklyn Nets
PG: D'Angelo Russell SG: Caris Levert SF: Joe Harris PF: Jared Dudley C: Jarrett Allen
Rejoice, people, Detroit Basketball is back, and hopefully, that will be a good thing this season. We're planning on doing great work here at POP and are excited about everything that will come with this season.
Featured Image: Image: Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images