Game Preview: Detroit vs. Los Angeles Clippers
By Dan Feldman
When
Date: March 20, 2009
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Records
Detroit: 33-34
Los Angeles Clippers: 17-51
Probable starters
Detroit:
Will
BynumArron
AfflaloTayshaun
PrinceJason
MaxiellAntonio
McDyess
Los Angeles Clippers:
Baron
DavisRon
ArtestAl
ThorntonZach
RandolphDeAndre
Jordan
Las Vegas projection
Spread: Detroit -6.5
Over/under: 190
Score: Detroit wins 98-92
Statistical projection
Detroit offensive rating: 106.8
Detroit defensive rating: 107.4
Detroit pace: 86.9
Los Angeles Clippers offensive rating: 102.6
Los Angeles Clippers defensive rating: 111.4
Los Angeles Clippers pace: 92.3
Score: Detroit wins 98-94
Outlook
Rodney Stuckey probably won’t play because of the flu, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. Richard Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson will probably miss the game, too, although there’s a slight chance Hamilton could play.
The last time the Pistons were missing three regular starters was late last season when Billups, Hamilton and Wallace had the night off to rest for the playoffs. Detroit started Stuckey, Jarvis Hayes, Tayshaun Prince, Antonio McDyess and Theo Ratliff and beat the lowly Timberwolves.
The Pistons played 12 players in that game. But nine will be the max for tonight, unless one of the four injured players or Walter Sharpe plays.