Game Preview: Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
By Dan Feldman
Essentials
Date: Nov. 25, 2009
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Television: Fox Sports Detroit
Records
Detroit: 5-9
Cleveland: 10-4
Probable starters
Detroit:
PG |
SG
SF
PF
C
Rodney
Stuckey
Ben
Gordon
Jonas
Jerebko
Charlie
Villanueva
Ben
Wallace
Cleveland:
PG |
SG
SF
PF
C
Mo
Williams
Anthony
Parker
LeBron
James
J.J.
Hickson
Shaquille
O’Neal
Las Vegas projection
Spread: Detroit +5.5
Over/under: 184
Score: Cleveland wins, 95-89
Statistical projection
Detroit offensive rating: 104.7 (21st)
Detroit defensive rating: 107.2 (17th)
Detroit pace: 87.7 (30th)
Cleveland offensive rating: 107.7 (13th)
Cleveland defensive rating: 103.2 (10th)
Cleveland pace: 92.1 (20th)
Outlook
Not exactly the opponent the Pistons wanted after returning from their brutal road trip. The Cavaliers have won seven of the eight.
On the bright side (maybe?), Shaquille O’Neal will miss the game with an injured shoulder. Another bright spot (probably?), Cleveland plays at a fairly slow pace.
Check out Daily Dime Live during the game. I won’t be chatting, but the talk might turn to the Pistons at some point. If not, you can at least keep up with other NBA action.