Game Preview: Detroit at New Jersey
By Dan Feldman
Essentials
Date: April 1, 2009
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Television: Fox Sports Detroit
Records
Detroit: 36-38
New Jersey: 30-34
Probable starters
Detroit:
Rodney
StuckeyRichard
HamiltonTayshaun
PrinceAntonio
McDyessKwame
Brown
New Jersey:
Devin
HarrisVince
CarterTrenton
HassellRyan
AndersonBrook
Lopez
Las Vegas projection
Spread: Detroit -1.5
Over/under: 186.5
Score: Detroit wins 94-93
Statistical projection
Detroit offensive rating: 106.8 (21st)
Detroit defensive rating: 107.6 (14th)
Detroit pace: 86.8 (29th)
New Jersey offensive rating: 108.2 (13th)
New Jersey defensive rating: 111.3 (24th)
New Jersey pace: 90.1 (22nd)
Score: Detroit wins 96-95
Outlook
Which team will self-destruct first?
Allen Iverson is complaining about his role, and it only took Rasheed Wallace one game back from his injury to get suspended for technical fouls.
The Nets have lost five in a row and nine of their last 11. Their most recent loss was 107-78 drubbing against Milwaukee.
The Pistons hold the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. New Jersey is basically out of the race.
So, Detroit has a lot more to play for. But will they play like it?