When I signed up to write this preview last week, I definitely was not expecting to be writing about the Pistons having the chance to extend their winning streak to double digits. Once again heavily short-handed against the Phildelphia 76ers, the Pistons pulled out another unexpected win against a team that would be in the playoffs if they started today.
As each day passes, the Pistons look more and more legit and they will theoretically get better as players get healthy. Tonight could be one of those
nights, as Jalen Duren has been upgraded to Probable and Ausar Thompson joins Cade Cunningham as questionable. Given this is the first night of a back-to-back with a game against a much better Hawks team tomorrow, I would not be shocked if Cunningham and Thompson do not play, but the Pistons have already proven they can be a force to be reckoned with without them.
Given the struggles of the Pacers this season and their lack of health to key rotation players for them as well, this game could be another “rest day” for the Pistons. It could also be a huge trap game where the Pacers play desperate to avoid falling to 1-13.
Game Vitals
Where: Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI
When: Monday, November 17 at 7 pm EST
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons (-10.5)
Analysis
If you ever doubted the value of Tyrese Haliburton, just take a look at what is happening to the Pacers this year to get a very clear picture of just how valuable he is as a player. The Pacers made a run to the Finals just last season and if you were watching the NBA for the first time this season, you would think you are being lied to with how they look this season. Granted, they have been out some key role players like Benedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, and Obi Toppin for a majority of the season, but they look like a completely different team without their point guard.
You can’t say the same thing about the Pistons, as they have rattled off a couple of wins without 4 of their 5 opening night starters and they haven’t even really missed a beat. If anything, they have actually looked better as they haven’t gotten off to their usual bad 1st quarters.
The Pacers created a blueprint last season that the Pistons have been following this season. A great point guard that can get others involved while taking over games when needed surrounded by solid role players that step up when they need to. It is how the Pistons have gotten off to an 11-2 start and their depth has come through as starters miss time with injury.
The current Pacers are led by Andrew Nembhard, who has missed some time this year as well, and has been solid when he has played. However, it has become evident that he is much better playing off of a point guard like Tyrese Haliburton rather than running the show himself. The Pacers offense just does not have the explosiveness it had last year with Haliburton running the show.
Pascal Siakam is on pace for a career-season for the Pacers, but without more help it is probably going to go unnoticed if the Pacers struggle to win 20 games.
Some help could be coming for the Pacers, as Benedict Mathurin is a game time decision for tonight’s game. He could be the exact kind of offensive spark the Pacers need to at least get themselves back on track a bit. There is always the possibility of some rust coming back from injury, but if he plays I expect him to put up a lot of shots and give the Pistons problems like he usually does.
On the Pistons end, it is tough to fully evaluate things since it is uncertain whether Cade Cunningham plays. If he does not play again, I have full trust in 2-way guard Daniss Jenkins, who has been the story of the NBA the last week. He not only looks like an NBA player, but even an everyday starting point guard with a little more experience and polish. The Pistons obviously cannot offer him that, but he has shown the potential to fill-in for the loss of Dennis Schroder as a backup point guard and secondary ballhandler with Cade. I can’t remember any time the Pistons have had a 2-way player play this well over multiple games.
Jalen Duren should be back for the Pistons and with the Pacers no longer having Myles Turner, he has an opportunity to pick up where he left off before his ankle injury. I think the only other big man that gave Jalen Duren more issues on defense than Myles Turner did was Nikola Vucevic, but it is pretty much a wash. Duren struggles with any stretch big, but those two in particular have given him fits.
On paper, this is a very winnable game for the Pistons, but they now ride the pressure of trying to keep their 9-game winning streak going against a desperate team that has gotten off to a nightmare start. It is the perfect recipe for a letdown game, so the Pistons need to keep up their strong effort defensively that has sparked this hot start and not let the Pacers hang around.
Lineups
Detroit Pistons (11-2): Daniss Jenkins, Duncan Robinson, Jevonte Green, Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren
Indiana Pacers (1-12): Andrew Nembhard, Benedict Mathurin, Pascal Siakam, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Tony Bradley
Question of the Day
Do the Pistons have the deepest team in the East?
