The Detroit Pistons have a big problem. Or, more precisely, they have a Big problem. Starting center Paul Reed is struggling and starting power forward John Collins is playing poorly, and when he slides down to the five, he plays even worse than that. Reserve big man Tolu Smith is not playing at a level that allows you to trust him with significant minutes. And we can combine that overall ineffectiveness with foul trouble and a huge deficit on the boards. It’s been a recipe for struggles for the Pistons,
and lately, it has led to some losses. Help is on the way in approximately two weeks when Jalen Duren returns from his hamstring injury.
Until that time, however, every Pistons fan has every right to worry that this problem is going to cost them games. That includes tonight’s matchup against the Washington Wizards. The Wiz are not a great team, but they have some talent, and their most talented player is Anthony Davis, who has historically given the Pistons fits. Consider me worried about Detroit’s ability to pull off victories in these next two games, both against the Wizards. Add to that that the Pistons will be on the second night of a back-to-back. Uh oh. The Pistons had one losing streak that lasted more than two games last season. JB Bickerstaff usually finds a way to get his team to bounce back. We will see what he can lean on tonight to get the Pistons back in the win column.
Game Vitals
When: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: TV: TV20 Detroit, NBC Sports Network | Streaming: DAZN-Det, Peacock
Odds: Pistons -10.5
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (6-3)
Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, John Collins, Paul Reed
Washington Wizards (4-6)
Trae Young, Keyonte George, AJ Dybantsa, Anthony Davis, Alex Sarr
