Pistons host Spurs to close out 2017

The Detroit Pistons (19-15) look to close out the calendar year on a high note when they host the San Antonio Spurs (25-11) on Saturday night. Two-time Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard is listed as probable. Detroit will have their hands full, as they try to contain one of the NBA’s best two-way players.

After Thursday’s brutal 102-89 loss to the Orlando Magic, the Detroit Pistons return home Saturday night to host the San Antonio Spurs.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm at Little Caesars Arena. Fox Sports Detroit and 97.1 FM The Ticket will handle the television and radio broadcasts, respectively.

Here are the three biggest storylines entering tonight’s game.

1. Containing Kawhi

In their Dec. 4 meeting against San Antonio, the Pistons missed out on facing one of the league’s better two-way players in Kawhi Leonard.

Tonight, they won’t be as fortunate.

According to the Spurs’ Twitter account, Leonard is probable for Saturday’s bout in Detroit.

After missing the first 27 games of the season, Leonard made his season debut on Dec. 12. He finished with 13 points on 6 for 12 shooting and grabbed six boards.

Since then, he’s played in four of the last six games. The Claw is averaging 12.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. Despite this limited action, he is shooting 49 percent from the floor.

It’s unlikely that Leonard is 100 percent healthy. But a player of his magnitude can be dangerous when coming off an injury.

Defenders have to respect his jumper, especially if he’s hesitant to attack off the dribble. San Antonio has plenty of guards (Tony Parker, Patty Mills) who can draw multiple defenders inside the lane. This, in turn, opens up the floor for Leonard to create his own shot.

2. Injury bug

Add Stanley Johnson to the long list of Pistons who have been relegated to the sideline. Keith Langlois of Pistons.com reported that Johnson will miss Saturday’s game against the Spurs due to a hip flexor.

Johnson will join Reggie Jackson, Avery Bradley and Jon Leuer in street clothes, as all four players are out with an injury.

Stan Van Gundy will have to rely on his bench to produce in an expanded role. Ish Smith will start at point guard for the second straight game. But he’s the least of Van Gundy’s worries.

Luke Kennard, Langston Galloway and Eric Moreland all struggled in Thursday’s loss to Orlando. Simply put, they have to play better. Expect all three to receive plenty of minutes against San Antonio.

Second-year forward Henry Ellenson and G-League standout Dwight Buycks could also play heavier minutes.

The question is, can they deliver?

3. Defense the Difference

Two top-10 defenses will clash in Detroit come Saturday night. The Spurs have the third-best defensive rating in the NBA, allowing just 104.0 points per 100 possessions. This is quite impressive, considering they’ve been without their best defender for most of the season.

The Pistons aren’t far behind at No. 8. They’re allowing just 106.4 points per 100 possessions. Detroit’s defensive depth will be tested, however, with the absence of Bradley and Johnson.

These two teams went down to the wire the last time they met. San Antonio escaped with a 96-93 victory. Both sides exchanged go-ahead buckets in the final minutes, and it came down to a battle of half-court defense.

That trend should continue on Saturday.