Detroit Pistons Try to Reclaim Relevance Against Pelicans

The Detroit Pistons head to New Orleans to face the Pelicans as they try to claw back into Eastern Conference playoff contention.

The Detroit Pistons sit outside of Eastern Conference playoff contention as they face the New Orleans Pelicans on the road Wednesday night. The Pistons have a sizable advantage coming in to the game as Anthony Davis nurses a finger injury that will keep him sidelined for a couple of weeks. But, Davis only played just under 26 minutes in their previous contest this season and the New Orleans Pelicans were more than capable of stretching the Pistons’ out just enough to log a victory.

While Andre Drummond had not arrived in New Orleans with the team, and would reportedly be present later, the question looms as to whether or not he will be available to play after being placed in concussion protocol due to a blow from Miami Heat’s James Johnson during Friday’s game.

No Drummond would leave the Detroit Pistons entirely reliant on Blake Griffin’s offense, as they did December 9, when Griffin and Drummond were the only two starters to make a trip to the charity stripe. Ish Smith is also listed as doubtful with a groin injury. And that always spells doom for the Motor City squad.

The free throw disparity that existed in their first meeting with the New Orleans Pelicans cannot be a factor in tonight’s game. It’s not just a lack of calls from the referees, but a general lack of aggression and head-down mentality.

Pistons’ guards, specifically, need to take their last match-up personally. Reggie Jackson’s 1-of-6 shooting from the field in 26 minutes is not going to cut it against a defensive stud like Jrue Holiday, who is not going to allow those shots to fall any easier the next go-round.

During the month of January, Holiday is averaging 51.7 percent field-goal shooting, 5.8 assists, only 1.8 turnovers per game, 1.9 steals per and 1.4 personal fouls a game. Not only is the standout guard offensively stout this year, but he’s equally crafty and careful on the defensive end. That characteristic of his game bothers Jackson head-to-head, so head coach Dwane Casey must plan around Jackson’s strong suit.

Double screens, more ball-handling opportunities and more penetration to the basket. Jackson is not the best point guard in the league, but playing with a head full of confidence always gives his game an edge that turns him from liability to a winning asset.

Most importantly, the Detroit Pistons need to score to win. The New Orleans Pelicans are the fifth-highest scoring team in the league per (117.1 points), almost a five percent increase from last season. The Detroit Pistons are 26th in points scored (106.2 points) and have a tall challenge on their hands simply outscoring this potent Pelicans’ offense. Blake Griffin is a near-given commodity.

He has only scored less than 20 points in 10 of the 44 games he has played this NBA season and is averaging 30.1 points this month. His points are coming. Without Davis down low, the Pelicans will be once again exposed underneath, leaving Griffin to possibly log another 35-point, 52.0 percent shooting night from the floor. The surrounding roster pieces need to step up and do their jobs as effectively.

Luke Kennard had a solid five-game stretch before the brutal Washington Wizards’ showing Monday. He will be expected to shoot with that type of certainty to avoid another 1-of-5 outing against New Orleans.

Bruce Brown, while creating a defensive standard for the Detroit Pistons, needs to continue the uptick in his offensive development and become more willing to take the shots that come to him, even if they are not quick finishes around the rim.

The Detroit Pistons are revisiting past demons in their bout against the New Orleans Pelicans, and without Anthony Davis on the floor, hope to walk away with better results than before. A reemergence is required for the Pistons to both reclaim their relevance in the Eastern Conference as a regular season threat and a post season contender.