Game Preview: Detroit at Indiana
By Dan Feldman
Essentials
Date: April 11, 2009
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Television: Fox Sports Detroit
Records
Detroit: 39-40
Indiana: 34-45
Probable starters
Detroit:
Rodney
StuckeyRichard
HamiltonTayshaun
PrinceAntonio
McDyessRasheed
Wallace
Indiana:
Jarrett
JackBrandon
RushDanny
GrangerTroy
MurpherRoy
Hibbert
Las Vegas projection
Spread: Detroit +2.5
Over/under: 208
Score: Indiana wins 105-103
Statistical projection
Detroit offensive rating: 107.4 (21st)
Detroit defensive rating: 107.8 (13th)
Detroit pace: 86.8 (29th)
Indiana offensive rating: 107.8 (18th)
Indiana defensive rating: 109.0 (19th)
Indiana pace: 96.5 (3rd)
Score: Tie 99-99
Outlook
Danny Granger and the Pacers could be a tough matchup for the Pistons. Via ESPN.com:
"Despite missing the postseason for a third straight year, Granger’s emergence was one of the bright spots this season for Indiana. The fourth-year swingman is sixth in the league with 25.5 points per game, and has been stellar since returning from a torn tendon in his right foot March 15, leading Indiana in scoring in eight straight contests. Granger has averaged 29.0 points in his last 11 starts and scored 30-plus points in five of the last seven. He scored a career-high 42 in a Dec. 12 loss in Detroit and has averaged 33.0 points in the season’s three meetings. The Pacers, winners of four of their last five home games, are 17-6 at Conseco Fieldhouse since Jan. 3."