The Detroit Pistons are looking to redeem themselves after a short losing streak, and this is the game to do it. Minnesota is a powerhouse with Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, and Jimmy Butler.
After losing two games against teams Detroit had already beaten, many saw the team slipping back to last season’s state. But, thanks to previous games, the Detroit Pistons have proven that there is a large difference between this year and last, heart. This team has a pulse now, they refuse to roll over despite being down double digits. The fact that they take pride in the game now should be enough to quell those worries, but winning is a cure-all, so that’s what they’ll have to do.
Matchups
Jeff Teague v Reggie Jackson
Teague has the advantage in every stat category except for scoring, which is expected when playing with three stars. However, due to Jackson’s fourth quarter heroics, I’m giving the advantage to him. Jackson has the ability to show up at any time for Detroit, and his talent in the clutch is invaluable.
Jimmy Butler v Avery Bradley
There isn’t much to be said here, Butler is a star. He’s averaged nearly 16 points per game and nearly 2 steals. Bradley’s league renown defense should help slow him down, but the advantage lies clearly with Butler.
Andrew Wiggins v Stanley Johnson
Same as the shooting guard match up, the advantage lies with Minnesota. However, Stanley Johnson’s defense should slow down Wiggins.
Taj Gibson v Tobias Harris
While Gibson is a better rebounder, Harris is turning into an all star. He has seemingly cooled down through the last two games, but he’s still averaging around 50 percent from the arc and 19.3 points per game. The advantage lies with Harris here.
Karl-Anthony Towns v Andre Drummond
While Drummond is coming into his own this year and proving that he is again a star, Towns is a superstar. Towns is averaging twenty and ten, so the most we could hope for is Andre Drummond to slow him down. Drummond has improved immensely on the defensive end, Towns is still likely to go off. The advantage lies with Karl-Anthony Towns.
Prediction:104-100 Detroit
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While it’s clear that Minnesota has the star power, Detroit has beaten better teams with a team brand of basketball. With good ball movement, unselfishness, good shot selection, and tenacious defense, Detroit has a good chance of coming away with the win.