Nets vs. Pistons preview: This time with Cade Cunningham

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 8: Tobias Harris #12 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on March 8, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to th

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And just like that, the Nets took care of business yet again! We’re streaking! The Memphis Grizzlies were lacking their eight highest paid players. So, Brooklyn used a balance of perimeter offense and size down low to literally out man the Grizzlies. As I predicted, Day’Ron Sharpe did his thing with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting, which means I can now deem myself the official fortune teller of the franchise! Nolan Traore also had a great game with a 17 point performance.

With all the smiles and bench

celebrations the Nets had last night, tonight brings a reality check. They will take on the Detroit Pistons. No, this will not be the same banged up Pistons team that fell short to Brooklyn two games back. Tonight, this will be a Cade Cunningham-led Pistons squad that is looking to make a strong push in the playoffs. As the No. 1 seed, Detroit will look to assert its dominance as a potential championship contender.

Where to Watch

Catch the action on the YES Network and NBA League Pass, as well as streaming on the Gotham Sports App.

Injury Report

Don’t know about the Nets just yet, but we do know that Egor Demin won’t be playing. He’s out for the rest of the season. Michael Porter Jr. was out last night for rest so presumably he’ll be back.

For the Pistons, our old buddy Caris Levert (left wrist sprain) and Ausar Thompson (right ankle sprain) will be out.

The Game

A couple of seasons ago, the Detroit Pistons had a record of 14-68. The situation was so bad, that Cade Cunningham went viral for his distraught at his own franchise after they had lost their 25th straight game.

Even three straight years with the NBA’s worst record didn’t help in the lottery. They kept falling to No. 5, the worst possible luck.

Now, the Pistons hold the best record in the Eastern Conference, Cunningham has transformed into an MVP candidate, and the city of Detroit now has something that could remind them of that championship taste they had back in 2004.

While there are other teams that basketball minds believe are a step further along than the Pistons, like the Knicks and the Boston Celtics, who now have Jayson Tatum back. That said, the future in Motor City is looking very scary considering that Cunningham is only 24 and his Robin in Jalen Duren is 22.

Indeed, the New Bad Boys have special motivation to kick Brooklyn’s butt following that ignominious loss a couple of days back and that loss is part of an ongoing four-game losing streak. There’s no panic (yet) in Motor City but a loss to the 16-win Nets would probably bring it on. For Brooklyn, the motivation is simple as well: they have the chance at a three-game winning streak, a first this season.

Ausar Thompson is arguably the best athlete in the NBA, the only one who could take his place is his twin in Houston. , injured his ankle last week against the San Antonio Spurs. Since then, Detroit has lost a generational defender who can guard multiple positions. With MPJ possibly back, this can lead to him getting many more clean looks and chances to get his teammates involved. Brooklyn lost some of its shooting with Egor now out for the rest of the season, but if Porter Jr. can balance creating offense for himself and for others, this can be a closer game than we think.

Player to Watch

Tobias Harris is the quintessential role player at this point in his career and with injuries to the Pistons core, many in Detroit see him as the key guy to step up and bridge the gap. Now 33, he can still make a point both on the court and in the locker room. Sports Illustrated this week suggested that the Pistons need him now and in the post-season.

Throughout his NBA career, Tobias Harris has proven to be a reliable role player, however he’s also shown flashes of inconsistency. Just ask Philadelphia 76ers fans, who Harris played for from 2018 to 2023. In the Pistons’ recent loss to the Miami Heat, Harris scored nine points, three blocks, and one rebound.

As the team’s third leading scorer, Harris has the opportunity to be a difference maker for the Pistons. His offensive performance, along with Cunningham’s and Duren’s, will fuel a playoff run for the Pistons. One poor performance by Harris in a postseason game could be the difference between the Pistons winning a playoff series and being eliminated.

Look for the Pistons to look to him tonight to pull it together.

The Vault

With Detroit coming to Brooklyn, I think it’s a good time to honor one of the greatest hip hop songs of all time with two of arguably the greatest rappers of all time, who are from Brooklyn and Detroit. Enjoy.