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Detroit Pistons look to snap 2-game losing streak in San Antonio

By Andrew Hejka

MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 13: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons looks on in the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks during a preseason game at BMO Harris Bradley Center on October 13, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 13: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons looks on in the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks during a preseason game at BMO Harris Bradley Center on October 13, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Just past the quarter mark of the season, the Detroit Pistons (14-8) find themselves in 4th place in the Eastern Conference after dropping 2 straight. They face another tough test Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs (15-8).

The Detroit Pistons are coming off a tough loss Saturday night to the Philadelphia 76ers, 108-103. Part 2 of the Andre Drummond-Joel Embiid feud was won by Embiid, as he registered 25 points and 10 rebounds.

Drummond was held to 14 points and 11 rebounds, although he did add 6 assists and 5 steals. Tobias Harris added 27 points on 15 attempts, and Reggie Jackson scored 25 points on 9-13 shooting.

The San Antonio Spurs are coming off a 90-87 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday night. In that game, the Spurs were without Tony Parker, LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Gay, and Manu Ginobili. All 4 players will likely return to action against Detroit. Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 17 points, and Davis Bertans scored 16 off the bench.

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San Antonio also awaits the return of star Kawhi Leonard. He is in the final stages of his rehab, and has not been ruled out for Monday night’s game. An intriguing aspect of this situation is that starting small forward Kyle Anderson left Sunday’s game with a knee injury. This could open the door for Leonard to return to action for the first time since Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

The Spurs rank 3rd in defensive efficiency, allowing only 100.7 points per 100 possessions. Furthermore, they play at the second-slowest pace per game. This recipe makes it extremely important for the Pistons to limit turnovers and emphasize good shot selection.

San Antonio also has a top 5 rebounding rate, so a key to the game will be Andre Drummond’s ability to control the glass and create second-chance opportunities.

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While on paper, this may look like a tough game for Detroit, they have had great success against the Western Conference this season, going 7-1. A full 48 minutes will be needed by the Pistons to knock off the Spurs and get their 15th win of the season.

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