Pistons look to inch closer to fifth place Hornets
The Detroit Pistons (33-31) take on the Charlotte Hornets (35-28) tonight in Charlotte. A win would pull the Pistons within a game and a half of the Hornets, who have won five straight and 12 of their last 15 games.
Now back in eighth place in the eastern conference after big wins over the Trail Blazers and Mavericks, the Pistons face the surging Hornets who were completely out of the playoff picture not too long ago.
The Hornets have won five games in a row, and despite the fact that two of those wins came against the Suns and the 76ers, the Hornets are playing well at the perfect time.
Tonight’s game will be just the second meeting between the Pistons and Hornets this season. The Hornets beat the Pistons handily (104-84) back on December 7, and the loss snapped what was a four game winning streak for the Pistons.
Andre Drummond (nine points and nine rebounds in 24 foul plagued minutes) was outplayed by Cody Zeller (20 points and six rebounds) in that game, and Reggie Jackson had one of his worst games of the season, scoring just four points on 2-9 shooting with one assist and three turnovers in just 24 minutes. That simply cannot happen tonight if the Pistons are going to have any chance to win.
Marvin Williams also had a good night for Charlotte, scoring 14 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, but he was matched up against Ersan Ilyasova. Although Ilyasova had a good game as well (15 points and 13 rebounds) Williams will have to deal with Tobias Harris tonight, and I think Harris’ versatility on both ends of the floor will result in a much quieter night from Williams.
Reggie Jackson will need to bounce back from a rough offensive outing on Wednesday, but he’ll also be tasked (along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, in all likelihood) with slowing down Kemba Walker. Walker has been on a tear lately, compiling averages of 31.6 points, 6.8 assists and 5.8 rebounds on 53 percent shooting (51 percent from three) in his last five games.
The Pistons may get some additional front court help if Anthony Tolliver returns tonight. It has been reported that Tolliver is close to returning and hopes to get back on the court during the current four game road trip.
It’s probably less likely to happen tonight, but Jodie Meeks has reportedly been cleared to play and could make his return during the road trip as well.
Stanley Johnson, however, still remains sidelined and probably won’t be back until the Pistons return home for the upcoming nine game home stand.
Getting all three players back will not only be a huge boost for the Pistons’ depth, but it also might help to inspire the team as they enter the final stretch of the season. Not that they should need any additional inspiration with the playoffs within reach, but whatever helps.
Starting Lineups:
Detroit Pistons
Reggie Jackson
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Marcus Morris
Tobias Harris
Andre Drummond
Charlotte Hornets
Kemba Walker
Courtney Lee
Nicolas Batum
Marvin Williams
Cody Zeller