Game Preview: Detroit Pistons face Orlando Magic without Reggie Jackson
By Matthew Way
The Detroit Pistons (19-14) visit the Orlando Magic (11-24) in their first game following Reggie Jackson’s injury.
As the Detroit Pistons look to win their third consecutive game, they will have to do so without starting point guard Reggie Jackson.
Ish Smith will start in Jackson’s stead as Detroit looks to win their 20th game of the year against the Orlando Magic.
Jackson joins fellow starter Avery Bradley on the Pistons’ injury report while Stan Van Gundy looks for answers to replace his starting backcourt. Smith will likely join Reggie Bullock and rookie Luke Kennard, who will be critical in replacing some of the spacing that will be missed in Jackson’s absence.
The Orlando Magic have been hampered by injuries as well – Bismack Biyombo replaces starting center Nikola Vucevic, who recently had surgery on his hand.
Vucevic gave Andre Drummond fits in the past with his ability to lure the Pistons center out of the paint, but Drummond will not need to worry about that against Biyombo. For Detroit to come out on top, their star center’s performance against an inferior counterpart will be critical.
Also important will be for starting forward Tobias Harris to continue his recent offensive surge. With Jackson out, Detroit will look to Harris to lead the offensive charge.
As the Jackson-less period begins for the Pistons, a win against the lowly Magic will inspire some confidence in a team that will need to perform at a high level on both ends of the floor without one of their best players.