Game Preview: Pistons Look to Upset Clippers

The Pistons cannot seem to figure out the Los Angeles Clippers. In their last eleven meetings, including six at The Palace of Auburn Hills, the Pistons have come up short against Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and the rest of the Clippers squad. Tonight, they meet at The Palace at 7:30pm EST.

In their first meeting of the season, on November 7th, the Pistons were blown away by the talented Clippers team, falling 114-82.

The Clippers(14-2) have been rolling all season. With only two losses on the season possess the best record in the NBA. The Pistons(7-9) on the other hand, have floundered, and are battling from below .500 in dangerous territory.

Los Angeles dropped the Dallas Mavericks easily in their last game, 124-104. DeAndre Jordan had one of his best showings of the season, scoring 16 points and adding eight rebounds. Austin Rivers scored 22 points. Chris Paul, who early on in the season has been an MVP candidate, scored 18 points, assisted on four baskets, and had four steals. Blake Griffin added 12 points in the win.

The Pistons come into this game off of a necessary win over the Miami Heat. Andre Drummond played his best game of the season for Detroit, going for 18 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks, and four steals.

''I know he wasn't happy with himself after our last game, but whatever he did to get ready tonight worked,'' Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said. ''He did a hell of a job. That might be the best defensive game he's played here.''

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 22 points in the win. Caldwell-Pope is having a great year with the Pistons. He is averaging 14.3 points, three rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He is shooting a very efficient and career best 37% from the three-point line. Tobias Harris played a good game as well, scoring 17 points and grabbing six boards.

The bench group of Beno Udrih, Stanley Johnson, Jon Leuer, and Aron Baynes combined for 35 points in the win. Darrun Hilliard scored two points in garbage time. Leuer also recorded his 1,000th career rebound.

Probable Starting Lineups:

Detroit Pistons

PG: Ish Smith

SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

SF: Marcus Morris

PF: Tobias Harris

C: Andre Drummond

Los Angeles Clippers

PG: Chris Paul

Sg: JJ Reddick

SF: Luc Ric Mbah A Moute

PF: Blake Griffin

C: DeAndre Jordan

Detroit is 6-2 at The Palace this season. They will need to defend home court tonight in order to defeat an outstanding Clippers team.

Featured image: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports