Game Preview: Pistons Play Spurs in First Home Game of the Preseason

The Detroit Pistons take on the San Antonio Spurs tonight in their second preseason game of the year. In their last game, they lost to the Brooklyn Nets 101-96. Andre Drummond led the Pistons in the game posting an outstanding 17 points and 21 rebounds in only 24 minutes of action. Marcus Morris had 17 points in the loss. This was the Pistons first game with Ish Smith running the starting point guard position. Smith struggled in the preseason opener posting only four points and three assists in nearly 27 minutes of play. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also struggled, as he shot 0-4 from the field, scoring three points in the game. Tobias Harris had 15 points as well.

San Antonio comes into tonight's game with a record of 1-1. In their last game, they defeated the Atlanta Hawks 102-91. Tony Parker led the way for them in that win, scoring 15 points and assisting on two baskets.

In San Antonio's last game all projected rotation players, including starters, played. In San Antonio's first preseason game of the year, they were on the road against the Phoenix Suns. the only starter to appear in that game for them was Kawhi Leonard. There is no doubt that Gregg Popovich does not want to use his key players a lot, especially in the preseason. It would not be a surprise if he decided to sit most of his rotation players while they are on the road tonight against the Pistons, in Detroit ‘s first home game of the preseason.

Joel Anthony, who played for the Detroit Pistons last season, signed with the San Antonio Spurs on a training camp deal this offseason. This will be his first game back at The Palace after spending two seasons with the Pistons. Anthony is fighting for one of the final roster spots on San Antonio.

Lorenzo Brown will man the backup point guard duties tonight for Detroit. Ray McCallum did so in Detroit’s first preseason game of the year. McCallum played well as he had five points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal in the loss. This will be Brown’s first appearance of the preseason.

Jon Leuer was a bright spot for the Pistons win their last game. He had 12 points on 6 of 10 shooting from the field. His play was a bright spot in an offense that struggled to produce last game. He did however shot 0-2 from the three-point line.

Boban Marjanovic made his marvelous debut on Thursday night. He had five points, two rebounds, and one monster dunk in the win.

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Detroit’s starters will likely play 24-30 minutes tonight. Tobias Harris led the team in minutes on Thursday, playing 26:48 in the game. Reggie Bullock played the backup shooting guard role last game. Stan Van Gundy has not spoken on how much of a shot Hilliard will have to prove he deserves the backup shooting guard spot. He may rotate with Bullock, as Brown and McCallum will.

Tonight’s game is at 7:30pm eastern time. It is available on Fox Sports Detroit.

Featured image: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports