Detroit Pistons vs. Sacramento Kings 2019-20 season preview

Series prediction

Game 1: Jan. 22, 7 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena
Game 2: March 1, 6 p.m. at Golden 1 Center

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As previously mentioned, this is a team the Pistons can’t afford to lose to. They can’t afford to take a load management game against a similarly-matched Kings team.

The first meeting comes in a soft spot in Detroit’s schedule, with games against Atlanta, Washington, then Sacramento and Memphis following. This is a favorable spot for the Pistons to get healthy and rack up some wins to build momentum towards the All-Star break.

The second meeting begins a difficult March for the Pistons. It comes on the heels of a four-game West swing that begins in Portland, then Denver, down to Phoenix and back up to Sacramento. The final two games of the road trip need to be must-win games for the Pistons.

Prediction: Series split 1-1

Ultimately, the Kings look better with more depth on paper without factoring in injuries. The final game of a long road trip is going to be tough to come away with a win.

This is the 26th preview in Piston Powered’s season preview series, 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
Golden State Warriors
Houston Rockets
Indiana Pacers
Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Clippers
Memphis Grizzlies
Miami Heat
Milwaukee Bucks
Minnesota Timberwolves
New Orleans Pelicans
New York Knicks
Oklahoma City Thunder
Orlando Magic
Philadelphia 76ers
Portland Trail Blazers
Phoenix Suns
San Antonio Spurs