Philadelphia 76ers (15-21)
vs.
Detroit Pistons (11-24)
TV: NBA League Pass Channel 7
Tip Time: 7:30 EST
Location: The Palace of Auburn Hills
Vegas Line: 1.5 (Pistons)
Previous Meeting: none
Mortal Enemies of the Night: Detroit Bad Boys
76ers vs Pistons coverage
- The Pistons haven't played since Tuesday, and they've lost three in a row.
- The Pistons last win came at home against the Celtics – the game Kevin Garnett got hurt.
- The Pistons are 4-14 in their last 18 games, while the Sixers are 10-8.
- Rodney Stuckey is set to return to the starting lineup tonight. He missed two games with "illness", and came off the bench the last two games. He's presents a huge competition drop-off for Jrue, considering his previous point guard battles were with Chris Paul, John Wall, and Derrick Rose.
- The Pistons are the second slowest-paced team in the NBA, and the Sixers are 19th. This may make for an ugly game.
- Both teams have been good at hanging onto the ball this season, so fast breaks off turnovers could be limited.
- Chris Wilcox hasn't played since New Year's Eve, and he's questionable tonight.
- The Sixers bench usually gives them a significant advantage, but the Pistons have a good bench as well. John Hollinger ranks them as the eighth best bench in the NBA; the Sixers rank third.
- This is our first look at rookie Greg Monroe. I wanted no part of him before the draft, so I'm anxious to see if I was right. He won't face much competition with the Sixers front court.
- Ben Wallace, Rip Hamilton, and Tracy McGrady are still alive, shockingly.
- The Pistons are rumored to be the third wheel in a Carmelo deal, and no they wouldn't receive Derrick Favors.
- Prediction: Sixers 94 Pistons 82