Detroit Pistons vs Brooklyn Nets game preview

The Detroit Pistons are coming off a devastating 97-96 loss to the Miami Heat.  This loss is probably the final blow to the Pistons playoff chances.  They are now in 10th place in the Eastern conference.  They host the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday who are owners of the worst record in the league at 16-58 and are 2-0 against the Pistons this season.

The Detroit Pistons are on a five game losing streak coming into tonights game and are 2-8 in their last ten games.  The Pistons have struggled all season to play with energy and this has been the biggest issue among others including their poor defense and shooting.

This has led to them spiraling downward and out of the playoff picture in the final weeks of the regular season.  The Nets meanwhile have been playing better compared to their play earlier this season and are 5-5 in their last ten games.

Brook Lopez has scored 29 and 34 points in their two meetings with the Pistons this season.  He has gotten the better of Andre Drummond all season and will be an important matchup for this game.

Next: Stan Van Gundy's rollercoaster season

At this point, the Pistons are still technically alive in the playoff chase but the odds are dwindling and some might wonder if it’s better to tank these last seven games for draft lottery positioning.  In then end, every game has implications down the stretch for the Pistons whether it’s for the draft lottery or playoffs.