Preview: Detroit Pistons Vs. Miami Heat
December 28, 2012; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons power forward Charlie Villanueva (31) reacts to making a three point shot against the Miami Heat in the second quarter at The Palace. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Pistons welcome the 2013 NBA world champion Miami Heat to the Palace of Auburn Hills on Thursday, October 10th, in what should be an exciting preseason matchup. We get our first glance at Josh Smith vs. LeBron James, as well as how playing “big ball” works against the famous Miami Heat “small ball.”
Dwyane Wade, who sat out the last preseason matchup for the Heat, told ESPN that he expects to play against the Pistons on Thursday night. Another possible Heat debut comes in the form of former Heat forward Michael Beasley, who was reacquired by the team this summer after he was released by the Phoenix Suns, after what was yet another run-in with the law. Beasley told ESPN that he is no longer being bothered by his bruised calf. “I practiced today, full practice, and it didn’t give me one problem,” Beasley told ESPN.com. “I’m ready, physically.”
Udonis Haslem is expected to be held out of Thursday’s contest, after having an offseason knee procedure. Other notable Heat players expected to miss Thursday’s game are Chris “Birdman” Anderson and Greg Oden, who were not seen at Heat practice on Wednesday. Mario Chalmers, who has been bothered by a hip injury was also limited in Wednesday’s practice according to the Miami Heat.
Preview:
The Miami Heat will welcome back all-star shooting guard Dwyane Wade back from sitting out against the Atlanta Hawks in their preseason opener, in what should be a fun matchup between the new look Pistons and the reigning NBA champion Miami Heat. The Heat added some interesting names during the summer, signing two former top two picks in Michael Beasley and Greg Oden.
Detroit will hope to keep the ball rolling against the Heat, coming off a destruction of Maccabi Haifa (Israeli League Champions) on Tuesday. Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith will look to take another step in their team’s development against the NBA’s best.
Andre Drummond led all Pistons in scoring, rebounding, as well as blocks on Tuesday night, and will be facing off against a 7-time All-star in Chris Bosh on Thursday, an early test for the up and coming big man.
Should be an exciting night for all the fans that are at the Palace of Auburn Hills Thursday evening.
BROADCAST:
– Television: NONE
– Radio: WWJ 950 AM
PROJECTIONS:
– Starters:
Detroit Pistons:
HC: Maurice Cheeks
PG: Brandon Jennings
SG: Chauncey Billups
SF: Josh Smith
PF: Greg Monroe
C: Andre Drummond
Miami Heat:
HC: Eric Spoelstra
PG: Mario Chalmers
SG: Dwayne Wade
SF: Shane Battier
PF: LeBron James
C: Chris Bosh
INJURY UPDATE:
– Detroit Pistons:
Peyton Siva: OUT (Foot)
Luigi Datome: OUT (Hamstring)
– Miami Heat
Udonis Haslem: OUT (Knee)
Greg Oden: OUT (Knee)
Chris Anderson: OUT (Foot)
Mario Chalmers: PROBABLE (Hip)
PREDICTION: 90-86 DETROIT
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
*Charlie Villanueva is expected to sit out Thursday, as Mo Cheeks takes a look at Jonas Jerebko at the stretch four position.*
We will have all the coverage of this preseason matchup after the game, make sure to check back here for the entire rundown.