Game Preview: Detroit at Miami

Essentials

Date: April 15, 2009

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Television: Fox Sports Detroit

Records

Detroit: 39-42

Miami: 42-39

Probable starters

Detroit:

PGSGSFPFC

Rodney

StuckeyArron

AfflaloTayshaun

PrinceAmir

JohnsonKwame

Brown

Miami:

PGSGSFPFC

Mario

ChalmersDaequan

CookYakhouba

DiawaraMichael

BeasleyJamaal

Magloire

Las Vegas projection

Spread: Even

Over/under: 181

Score: Tie 91-91

Statistical projection

Detroit offensive rating: 107.4 (21st)

Detroit defensive rating: 107.9 (15th)

Detroit pace: 86.8 (29th)

Miami offensive rating: 107.8 (19th)

Miami defensive rating: 107.6 (11th)

Miami pace: 90.0 (21st)

Score: Tie 95-95

Outlook

Remember back in 2005 when the Pistons were locked into the second seed we finally had a chance to see Darko play extended minutes? That was a much more interesting time than now.

He averaged 12.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and two blocks while starting the final two games of the season.

Tonight, I’m not quite as intrigued to see Walter Sharpe.