After a disappointing home loss versus the Los Angeles Clippers, The Detroit Pistons host the top seed scorching Denver Nuggets.
The Detroit Pistons come into tonight 7 games under .500. They come off a disappointing home loss versus the Clippers. They blew a 23 point lead with 4 minutes remaining in the third quarter. Fans exited the building; calling the loss embarrassing.
The front office still is unsure whether to sell, buy, or stand pat in February 7th’s trade deadline. Reggie Bullock was the most recent Piston in trade rumors. The Los Angeles Lakers seem to be interested in Bullock and his knockdown shooting A win or loss tonight can decide their future moves before the deadline.
The Denver Nuggets on the other hand are tied for the top seed in the Western Conference with the Golden State Warriors. They come off a late game win on the road versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. They are also on a 6 game win streak; which is currently the highest in the league right now.
The Nuggets are led by their Serbian big man Nikola Jokic. Jokic was awarded his first all-star invitation this season. On the season hes averaging 20.2 points per game, 10.5 rebounds per game, and 7.7 assists per game on 50.8 percent shooting. His play for the Nuggets has been a huge part to why they have been the best team in the West so far this season.
Malik Beasley has also been huge in the last 6 games for the Nuggets. Averaging almost 22 points per game on 47.6 percent shooting from three in the last 6; the Pistons will have to be careful when he is on the floor. He could easily go off for a big night.
Keys for tonight’s game
Drummond versus Jokic is going to be an interesting match-up. Drummond has to make sure Jokic doesn’t torch the Pistons from three.
Coming off a terrible game versus Minnesota, Paul Milsap is going to look to redeem himself against all-star Blake Griffin.
This game is going to be decided by the guard/wing play from both teams. Denver has explosive guards who are capable of scoring. Will Barton Monte Morris and Malik Beasley are all great scorers. Reggie Bullock, Luke Kennard, and Stanley Johnson have to find a way to contain them while making an impact offensively.