Detroit Pistons take on Miami Heat in bid for third straight win

After a much needed three day break, the Detroit Pistons will look to continue their winning ways tonight as they take on the Miami Heat in South Beach.

The Pistons dominated the Heat in their first meeting this season, winning 104-81 at the Palace. In that game, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope completely shut down Dwyane Wade, holding him to just two points on 1-9 shooting.

Keeping Wade under control will definitely be a point of emphasis in tonight’s game plan, but the Heat have some other weapons to worry about too. Here are a few things to pay attention to:

Andre Drummond vs. Hassan Whiteside

It is always exciting to watch two of the NBA’s best young big men square off. Both Drummond and Whiteside are having excellent seasons thus far, and it couldn’t come at a better time as both players are expected to sign long term contracts during the upcoming off season. Drummond got the better of Whiteside the last time out, scoring 18 points to go along with 20 rebounds and five blocks versus Whiteside’s 15 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks.

Stanley Johnson vs. Justise Winslow

For fans of the Pistons, these two players will be linked together and compared to one another for the duration of their careers. While neither player has really blown anybody away through the first part of the season, Stanley Johnson has been playing much better as of late, and Justise Winslow has been praised for his defensive ability all season long.

In their first regular season meeting, neither rookie played particularly well. Johnson shot 3-12 for seven points and five rebounds, and Winslow scored three points on 1-3 shooting with eight rebounds. This match up will always be interesting to watch, but it may be another year or two before we really know whether the Pistons made the right call by drafting Johnson over Winslow.

Chris Bosh vs. Ersan Ilyasova/Anthony Tolliver

Chris Bosh is a tough cover for just about anyone in the NBA, and Ersan Ilyasova will have his hands full from the start. Depending on whether Ilyasova is knocking down shots, I think we could see a lot of Anthony Tolliver on Bosh tonight as his quickness and athleticism is better suited to handle Bosh and his versatility. Regardless, it will take a combined effort to keep Bosh contained.

Brandon Jennings Available?

Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press has reported that Brandon Jennings may be available to play tonight. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him dressed and on the bench, but I would be shocked if he actually gets in the game. Either way, it will be great to see Jennings back in uniform.

Starting Lineups

Pistons:
Reggie Jackson
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Marcus Morris
Ersan Ilyasova
Andre Drummond

Heat:
Goran Dragic
Dwyane Wade
Luol Deng
Chris Bosh
Hassan Whiteside