Pistons vs Nuggets preview: Battle of the elites

SB Nation

The Detroit Pistons travel to the Mile High City to take on the Denver Nuggets tonight in what could be an NBA Finals preview. These are two of the deepest rosters in the league, and they’ve found success

with their MVP candidates sidelined.

Denver is 9-5 with Nikola Jokić out of the lineup, and Detroit is 5-1 without Cade Cunningham. Both squads embrace the next man up motto.

This is a clash between the No. 1 defense (Pistons 102.4 def rating in January) and the No. 1 offense. One team has several serviceable shooters while the other is filled with versatile defenders. Both squads will make noise come April.

Game Vitals

When: 9:00 p.m. ET

Where: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado

How: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit

Odds: Pistons -6

Analysis

The Pistons stay above water with Cunningham out, but it was nice to see the superstar guard get it going against the Sacramento Kings Sunday afternoon. His game is as smooth as butter, especially when the jumper is going.

Cunningham was 9/12 on jump shots per PivotFade. That jumper is one of the keys to keeping defenses honest come playoff time. Cunningham hasn’t shot the ball the way he’s wanted overall this year, but his jumper coming back around for the big games is on the table. He’s been extremely impactful while his shot hasn’t fallen.

Cunningham and Jalen Duren both have a 9.1 NetRtg. Both of Detroit’s 2026 All-Stars impact the game outside of scoring. That’s always been a staple for elite Pistons players. Chauncey Billups and Isiah Thomas were tier-one floor generals who got after it on the other end. This city always has complete players leading the charge when they’re true contenders.

The Denver Nuggets are usually an overpowered offense when they’re true contenders. Jokić is one of the most impactful players we’ve seen, and this is the first year his team has treaded water without him. A big shoutout goes to Jamal Murray (probable/ hamstring, hip).

The best to never make the All-Star game stuff is coming to an end for Murray. You can pencil him in this year. The shotmaking has been mind-boggling. He’s nearly shooting 45 percent on pull-up and catch-and-shoot 3s. That’s Steph Curry stuff.

Denver has a 119 offensive rating with Murray on and Joker off — not the best in the league, but still an elite offense with Murray as the head of the snake.

Ausar Thompson is probably the most versatile defender on the Pistons roster, but he’ll have his hands full with Murray on this burner. It’s a beautiful opportunity for the Pistons as a whole to clamp up the best offense in basketball.

Ron Holland will get his turn on Murray eventually. His emotions can get the best of him, but it’s a double-edged sword because those feelings are what make him that no-quit-in-him defender. The fight he shows going for loose balls coincides with the passion/emotion he plays with.

Holland is an A-level perimeter defender on the ball with quick, strong hands. Holland acts as a safety when he baits offensive players in the passing lanes. Holland’s 2.8 STL% ranks in the 98th percentile amongst forwards per Cleaning The Glass. He’s a keeper and the perfect fit for this culture.

Detroit has great defenders across the board, but they aren’t shooting it like the Nuggets. Denver has seven (!) players shooting 40% from 3 with garbage time filtered out. Murray leads the charge, but Cam Johnson (out, knee) and Tim Hardaway Jr (as we know) are can’t-leave shooters.

Peyton Watson (probable, ankle) has stepped up in a major way this season. His shooting leap was evident even with Jokić in the lineup. The fourth-year wing is averaging 23 points, six rebounds, and 2.7 stocks over the last 12 games. He’s shooting 46 percent from deep on almost six attempts in this stretch. He’s hooping.

Aaron Gordon is one of the most valuable Swiss Army knives in basketball. He can guard up and down positions, attack off the dribble, and shoot the ball. He’s out tonight, but he’s the mold of a player any team could use.

Long term, he’s the archetype Detroit needs at the power forward position. He’s not available, but that’s the type of get that makes you more formidable.

The Nuggets are without their superstar, but it’s never easy playing in that high altitude. That said, Detroit has been road warriors. They are 14-6 on the season and can add another good road win tonight.