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Pistons look to bounce back tonight against the Kings

By Tim Brokke

Nov 11, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks to the basket between Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) and center Andre Drummond (0) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Detroit Pistons 101-92. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks to the basket between Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) and center Andre Drummond (0) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Detroit Pistons 101-92. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Pistons will look to rebound tonight against the Sacramento Kings

The Pistons have been on a rough three loss in four game stretch. Their lack of defensive intensity has driven Stan Van Gundy to incredible levels of insanity. Van Gundy rightfully noted that the defense has to change in a significant way if the Pistons are going to make the playoff push that Piston fans came to expect after the strong start to the season.

The Pistons face the Sacramento Kings for the second time this season, and fell in Sacramento on November 11th, which led to a terrible end to the opening road trip of the season. Circumstances were different for that game, although not by much. The Kings are still a complete mess, and continue to be the laughingstock of the NBA when it comes to their Front Office.

But the Kings were coming into the game in November off a six game losing streak, and had one of those “player-only” meetings that seem to effectively rally the troops more often than not. The Pistons were coming off a loss to the Warriors in Oakland, although that was certainly an understandable loss.

The Pistons desperately need a win on Friday night against an opponent who has consistently struggled throughout the year.

Key Questions to answer:

Who stops Boogie Cousins? Cousins went bonkers in the game in Sacramento by posting 33 points and 9 rebounds, including going 4 of 5 from the 3-pt line. Drummond struggles defending Centers who can stretch the floor. Can the Pistons slow down Cousins enough to keep this game from getting out of hand?

Which Reggie Jackson will show up? This season has been a reminder that young players are often frustrating. There are times when Reggie Jackson gives you great hope for the future of the Pistons and, well, there are times when Reggie makes you think some experts were right in questioning his near-max contract. The Pistons need the good Reggie Friday night as he will be going head to head with the crafty Rajon Rondo.

Will Andre Drummond play like he cares? We all are fully aware of the free throw issues- especially Mike Budenholzer, as the Hawks have stolen two games from the Pistons this season due in large part to the Hack-A-Drummond strategy. But the Pistons can win with Drummond missing free throws. But they cannot win when he does not play hard. Drummond needs to bring the energy against the Kings for the Pistons to win.

My Prediction:

112-104 Pistons

I don’t see the Pistons turning up the defense enough to keep the Kings below 100, especially as the Kings always score a ton of points. This will be a shootout, and I think the Pistons, behind a strong effort from Reggie, will pull it out in the end.

What’s your prediction, Piston Fans?

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