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Pistons visit Cleveland for final tune up before playoffs

By Mike Davidson

Feb 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) defends a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) defends a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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After losing to the Miami Heat last night, the Detroit Pistons are locked into the eighth seed and headed for a first round match up with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Over the past several years, Pistons fans have gotten used to watching (or not watching) meaningless games during the final week of the season. While tonight’s game might still be meaningless, it is for an entirely different reason.

This season, in stark contrast to recent years when the Pistons were playing for NBA draft lottery position during the final week,  the Pistons have their playoff spot locked up with nothing left to gain or lose.

With that being the case, both the Pistons and the Cavaliers figure to rest their key players for most, if not all of tonight’s game.

One player who will almost certainly get the night off is Reggie Jackson, who sat out last night’s game due to an abdominal strain. The Pistons do not want to risk further injury which could cause Reggie to play through pain in the playoffs, or miss a game or two entirely.

I’m also guessing we won’t see LeBron James, Kyrie Irving or Kevin Love tonight, as the Cavaliers have clinched the first seed in the eastern conference and have little reason to run their stars out there, especially given Irving’s history of injuries.

Stan Van Gundy could choose to leave his starting lineup intact but for Jackson, however the starters definitely won’t see their normal allotment of minutes.

So if you’re looking for a legitimate preview of the upcoming playoff series, you’re better off watching a replay of the February 22nd game. Having said that, there are a couple of things that make tonight’s game still worth watching.

For one, Spencer Dinwiddie figures to get extended minutes for the second straight night. Tonight will be just the 12th appearance of the season for Dinwiddie, and it’s always interesting to see how he is coming along under Van Gundy’s tutelage. He looked a little rusty at times last night, but he did some good things on the offensive end and finished with six points and three assists in 16 minutes.

Also, Stanley Johnson could see more time than usual. The rookie has had his ups and downs this season, but having a good game tonight and entering the post season on a high note would do wonders for both his confidence and Stan Van Gundy’s confidence in him. On the other hand, if Stanley’s shoulder is still not 100 percent, he will probably be given the night off too.

A win tonight would be a bonus, but with the standings set in stone the important thing is to get through the game injury free. The real games start this weekend.

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