Game Preview: Pistons to Be Shorthanded After Trade With Clippers, as Cavs Come to Town

The Detroit Pistons(22-26) host the Cleveland Cavaliers(29-19) tonight at Little Ceasers Arena. The game begins at 8:00p.m. The game will be nationally televised on TNT.

After Detroit's big move to acquire Blake Griffin yesterday, the Pistons will be shorthanded tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pistons shipped out their starting shooting guard(Avery Bradley) and power forward(Tobias Harris), as well as one of their backup centers in Boban Marjanovic. Detroit acquired Griffin along with two other big men in Willie Reed and Brice Johnson.

While the trade was finalized last night, it is unlikely Griffin, Reed, and Johnson are able to get to Detroit and be medically cleared in order to play.

So tonight, Detroit will be shorthanded.

These two teams squared off on Sunday, with the Cavs pulling away to win 121-104. Anthony Tolliver lead Detroit with 20 points and Andre Drummond added 17 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.

LeBron James scored 25 points, dished out 14 assists, and grabbed eight rebounds in the win. Kevin Love had a double-double of his own, with 20 points and 11 boards.

Injuries

Detroit will be without Reggie Jackson(ankle) and Jon Leuer(ankle).

Blake Griffin, Willie Reed, and Brice Johnson are all unavailable to play tonight, Stan Van Gundy confirmed.

Dwyane Wade should be back for the Cavs after resting the other day for Detroit.

Probable Starting Lineups

Detroit Pistons

PG: Ish Smith

SG: Luke Kennard

SF: Reggie Bullock

PF: Anthony Tolliver

C: Andre Drummond

Cleveland Cavaliers

PG: Isaiah Thomas

SG: J.R. Smith

SF: LeBron James

PF: Kevin Love

C: Tristian Thompson

Featured Image: Tony Dejak/Associated Press