Preseason Preview: Detroit Pistons vs. Maccabi Haifa
Feb 25, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons shooting guard Kyle Singler (25) shoots a free throw during the third quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at The Palace. Atlanta won 114-103. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Pistons kick off their 2013 Preseason schedule this Tuesday, October 10th, at the Palace of Auburn Hills, as they play host to the Israeli League Champions Maccabi Haifa. Detroit will unveil their new look lineup to their home fans for the first time. With a roster that now consists of exciting new players like former Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings, as well as former Atlanta Hawk Josh Smith, not to mention the return of hometown hero Chauncey Billups as he makes his first appearance in a Detroit Pistons jersey since his departure in 2008.
Along with the recent roster additions, fans will get an up close look at incoming rookies Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, shooting guard out of the University of Georgia, and Tony Mitchell forward out of North Texas (Peyton Siva likely OUT Tuesday).
Preview:
The Israeli League Champions will pose a lineup that will show four United States college products, featuring 2013 Florida Gulf Coast University (Dunk City) star forward Sherwood Brown, who had a fantastic finish to the year for the Eagles. Another notable US product on the roster, Donta Smith, who was drafted in the second round by the Atlanta Hawks in 2004 (same year they drafted Josh Smith). Smith played at a Junior College, then committed to the University of Louisville before later entering the NBA Draft. David Cubillan, who played at Marquette University, and Ike Ofoegbu 6’8″ forward out of SMU, join Smith and Brown in the projected starting lineup.
Maccabi Haifa also will be playing a back-to-back as they face-off against the Phoenix Suns Monday night at 10 p.m. eastern time in Phoenix. They will fly to Detroit in the morning, with what should be little to no rest for the team.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Pistons will be mixing and matching several different lineups on the court in their first exhibition game, as they try to get a feel for which group of guys play well with each other. What we do know about Tuesday’s game is that we will not be getting a look at rookie guard Peyton Siva, who sat out the majority of training camp with a foot injury, as well as European import, shooter Gigi Datome out of Italy who is also likely out after tweaking his hamstring in Saturdays Open Practice.
From the Pistons that do don the red, white, and blue Tuesday evening, expect to see an offensive heavily reliant on pick-and-roll offense running through their many athletic bigs. Point guard Brandon Jennings and Andre Drummond will play a big part in that gameplan, especially if Greg Monroe sits the preseason opener. You can also expect to see either big; Josh Smith or possibly Drummond get touches in the post. With the added shooters on the wing and in the backcourt, these guards will help keep their defenders honest when trying to double the bigs down low.
If the Pistons get out and run early, like head coach Mo Cheeks wants to do, this game could be in the books early given Maccabi Haifa’s late game in Phoenix the night before.
BROADCAST:
– Television: NONE
– Radio: 1270 AM (Detroit)
PROJECTIONS:
– Starters:
Detroit Pistons
HC: Maurice Cheeks
PG: Brandon Jennings
SG: Chauncey Billups
SF: Josh Smith
PF: Greg Monroe
C: Andre Drummond
Maccabi Haifa
HC: Franco Danny
PG: David Cubillan
SG: Sherwood Brown
SF: Ben Rice
PF: Donta Smith
C: Ike Ofoegbu
INJURY UPDATE:
– Detroit Pistons:
Peyton Siva: OUT (Foot)
Luigi Datome: OUT (Hamstring)
Greg Monroe: QUESTIONABLE (Hamstring)
– Maccabi Haifa:
NONE
Prediction: 100-85 DETROIT
*Remember to check back here for all of the post game highlights of Tuesdays contest between the Pistons and Maccabi Haifa!