Game Preview: Undefeated in Blake Griffin Era, Pistons Host Blazers
The Detroit Pistons(25-26) host the Portland Trail Blazers(29-24) tonight at Little Ceasers Arena. The game begins at 7:00 p.m. Tonight's matchup will be nationally televised on NBATV. The Detroit Pistons are playing some spirited basketball. They knocked off the Cleveland Cavaliers without any players involved in Detroit's trade to acquire Blake Griffin available and followed that win up with victories against the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat. Andre Drummond led the way for Detroit in their most recent win against the Miami Heat scoring 23 points, grabbing 20 rebounds, blocking four shots, and securing four steals. Ish Smith had a season-high 25 points. Blake Griffin struggled to knock down shots, finishing with 16 points on just 6-19 shooting. However, he added nine rebounds and seven assists. He also made a big shot down the stretch to put Detroit up eight.
Here's the big 3-pointer from Blake Griffin to give the #Pistons a four point lead late in the game. #DetroitBasketball pic.twitter.com/Qk3VGcgOIC
— Palace Pistons (@PalaceOfPistons) February 4, 2018
The Trail Blazers played yesterday losing a heartbreaker to the Boston Celtics, 97-96. Damian Lillard finished with 21 points and nine assists. C.J. McCollum scored 22 points. Moe Harkless added 19 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Injuries Reggie Jackson(ankle), John Leuer(ankle), and Dwight Buycks(flu) are out tonight for the Pistons. Luke Kennard(foot) went through walkaround and is considered questionable to play. Portland will be without C.J. Wilcox(knee). Evan Turner(calf) and Shabazz Napier(toe) are questionable to play. Probable Starting Lineup Detroit Pistons PG: Ish Smith SG: Reggie Bullock SF: Stanley Johnson PF: Blake Griffin C: Andre Drummond Portland Trail Blazers PG: Damian Lillard SG: C.J. McCollum SF: Pat Connaughton PF: Al-Farouq Aminu C: Jusuf Nurkic This is the first meeting between these two teams this season. Detroit won both meetings last season. Featured Image: Leon Halip/Getty Images