Game Preview: Detroit vs. New Jersey
By Dan Feldman
Essentials
Date: April 10, 2009
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Television: Fox Sports Detroit
Records
Detroit: 39-40
New Jersey: 32-46
Probable starters
Detroit:
Rodney
StuckeyRichard
HamiltonTayshaun
PrinceAntonio
McDyessRasheed
Wallace
New Jersey:
Devin
HarrisKeyon
DoolingVince
CarterRyan
AndersonBrook
Lopez
Las Vegas projection
Spread: Detroit -7.5
Over/under: 189.5
Score: Detroit wins 99-91
Statistical projection
Detroit offensive rating: 107.3 (21st)
Detroit defensive rating: 107.8 (14th)
Detroit pace: 86.8 (29th)
New Jersey offensive rating: 108.5 (13th)
New Jersey defensive rating: 111.0 (23rd)
New Jersey pace: 90.1 (21st)
Score: Detroit wins 97-96
Outlook
The Nets crushed the Pistons in their last matchup nine days ago. But Detroit had played the night before and had no legs.
With an off day yesterday and their new no-shoot-arounds-on-gameday policy, the Pistons should be fine today.
As long as they stop Devin Harris. In three games against the Pistons this year, he’s averaging 25.3 points on 54-percent shooting and 7.3 assists.