Detroit Pistons vs. Golden State Warriors 2019-20 season preview
By Riley Nisbet
Prediction
Game 1: Jan. 4, 8:30 at Chase Center
Game 2: March 20, 7:00 at Little Caesars Arena
Like the last two years, if the Pistons are able to split the season series with the Warriors that should no doubt be seen as a success.
Although the Jan. 4 game comes well before Thompson’s expected return, it will also be the fourth game of a five-game West Coast trip and tucked between matchups with both LA teams. Tired bodies will be one factor, but with both the Clippers and the Lakers being the teams to beat this year, it could also mean the Pistons focus is elsewhere.
Despite this, Golden State should be seen as a potential win on this road trip, and will likely be a necessary one if the Pistons wish to come out above .500 for the trip.
Although Thompson will likely be back for the second matchup of the series, the context surrounding the matchup is more favorable. Not only will the Pistons be home, but they will be coming off two days rest following another home game against the Magic.
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Each game has the potential to be a win, although neither is a clear win. The Warriors are still the Warriors, and just because the roster looks significantly different this year, it’s still too soon to tell if the dynasty is crumbling.
Prediction: Detroit 2-0
Call me a homer. Call me an optimist. Call me crazy. Call me wrong.
But…the Thompson-less game seems like too good of an opportunity to come into with a lack of focus. I trust Dwane Casey to prepare the team to pick up a feasible win on an otherwise difficult road trip.
As for the game following Thompson’s likely return, with the Pistons coming off two days rest and the Warriors on the penultimate game of a five game East Coast trip, don’t be surprised to see the Pistons pull off two upsets this year and complete the sweep.
This is the ninth preview in Piston Powered’s September series that is taking a look at how the Pistons stack up against all 29 NBA teams. Here are the previews to date.
Atlanta Hawks
Brooklyn Nets
Boston Celtics
Charlotte Hornets
Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers
Dallas Mavericks
Denver Nuggets
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