Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns 2019-20 season preview

Suns O vs. Pistons D

Booker and Ayton carried the load for the Suns in the season series last year but didn’t have enough help. Booker dropped 37 points and Ayton added 25 points and 13 rebounds in the first meeting. The duo combined for 46 of 98 points in the second game.

At 7-foot-1, 250 pounds, Ayton is one of the centers in the league that can match the size and strength of Drummond. It worked to the rookie’s favor, allowing him to convert 20-of-25 attempts.

There’s a building block with Booker. How the Suns incorporate Rubio will be the key. He’ll likely be matched up with Jackson as Bruce Brown should line up with Booker. But the Suns should use some form of pick-and-roll action with Ayton to get switches and favorable matchups. For a mix-up, Saric can also be involved as a floor spacer with the ability to pop.

Defensively, Detroit should go under pick-and-roll situations and force Rubio to shoot. He’s a 32.2 career shooter from 3-point range, converting 31.1 percent of attempts last season.

While with Utah in last season’s matchup, Rubio scored 18 points against the Pistons. He converted 6-of-13 points but was 1-for-4 from 3-point range. That came in a narrow 110-105 Jazz win at Little Caesars Arena.

The newfound depth that Phoenix has could be the Suns ticket. Tyler Johnson, Mikal Bridges and and Kaminsky attack three weaknesses of the Pistons – Kennard’s defense, the small forward deficiencies and the perceived lack of a backup center.