Game Preview: Detroit vs. Los Angeles Clippers

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.