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Detroit Pistons continue road trip in New Orleans

By Mike Davidson

Mar 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) shoots over Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) shoots over Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pistons get Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans tonight in the second half of a back-to-back to start their four game Western Conference road trip.

The last time these teams met, Anthony Davis exploded for 39 points, 13 rebounds and eight blocks in a tight game which the Pelicans won 88-85 at home. The loss was the fourth in a row for the Pistons, and it came in the middle of what would turn into a ten game losing streak for Detroit.

Things are much different this season. The Pistons are sitting at 23-19 coming off a win in Houston, while the Pelicans, who made the playoffs last season, are a disappointing 14-27 despite winning three of their last four.

Here are a few things to look for tonight:

Hack-A-Drummond

If you watched last night’s game, or read the recap, you know that the Rockets used one of the most extreme Hack-A-Poor-Free-Throw-Shooter strategies we’ve ever seen. Andre Drummond was intentionally fouled by K.J. McDaniels five times in nine seconds at the beginning of the second half, and he wound up shooting 36 free throws in the game, making only 13 of them. Will New Orleans decide to implement the same strategy? Those of us watching the game certainly hope not.

Back Court Match Ups

New Orleans is without starting shooting guard Eric Gordon after he suffered a broken finger. That leaves Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday starting in the back court, with Norris Cole and Alonzo Gee coming off the bench. Both Holiday and Evans are capable of playing point guard, although Evans has been starting at that position for New Orleans.

At 6-foot-6, Evans is a tough match up for most point guards, so it might be that the Pistons decide to have Kentavious Caldwell-Pope guard him. Evans is a versatile, palymaking guard who is the head of the snake when it comes to New Orleans’ offense, and if KCP can make him give up the ball early in the shot clock the Pistons will have a much easier time defending every other position.

Dealing With Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis is a match up nightmare every time he steps on the court. With seven footer Omer Asik starting at center, the Pistons will need Andre Drummond to stay on Asik while he is on the floor. We’ll almost certainly see Drummond on Davis at times when Davis slides over to center, but for the most part it will be Ersan Ilyasova and Anthony Tolliver guarding Davis and his ridiculous length and versatility.

On the other end, Davis is one of the premier rim protectors in the NBA, but his length also allows him to effectively contest jump shots on the perimeter. Stan Van Gundy will have his work cut out for him as he game plans for Davis.

Starting Lineups:

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

New Orleans Pelicans
Tyreke Evans
Jrue Holiday
Dante Cunningham
Anthony Davis
Omer Asik

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