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Three Keys to the game: Detroit Pistons versus Memphis Grizzlies

ByMartin Mansour|
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 1: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 1, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 1: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 1, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Detroit Pistons take on the Memphis Grizzlies in their 81st game of the season. This is one of the two most important games of the season.

The Detroit Pistons need two wins in their remaining two games to clinch playoffs. They come off a disappointing crucial loss to the Charlotte Hornets. They put the Hornets in contention for a playoff spot.

The Memphis Grizzlies on the other hand are headed towards the lottery. And they could use a loss tonight to receive a better lottery pick. They will be without half of their roster against the Pistons.

There is no excuse for the Pistons to lose this game with or without Blake Griffin, who is questionable for tonight’s game. The Pistons should rest Griffin to ensure best health for him in the future.

If the Pistons lose tonight, they can still technically make the playoffs. They would have to hope Charlotte loses one of their next two games.

Keys to the game

  1. Rebound the basketball. The Pistons have had trouble rebounding the ball in the last two weeks. Offensive rebounds have killed the Pistons and the Grizzlies will be without three of their big men. Look for the team to play a part in a huge rebounding effort. Other than Andre Drummond, the team isn’t very good at rebounding. He could use some help down low.
  2. Pistons bench giving the starters a night off. The Pistons reserves have to show up tonight. The Pistons play against the New York Knicks on a second game of a back to back. To ensure the most out of the Pistons starters tomorrow, the reserves have to secure tonight’s game. Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson are looking more and more fatigued as games go on. Giving them half a night off would come a long way.
  3. Don’t lay an egg again. The Pistons lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers a month ago. They are very capable of losing to a lottery team. To make thing’s worse, the Cavaliers were also a depleted team. The Grizzlies are without 8 of their best players. They will be running third string bench players. There is no excuse to lose this game.

Tipoff starts at 7PM Eastern Standard Time.

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