The Detroit Pistons go on the road for the first time this preseason and will rest some players against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Detroit Pistons have had three days off since their last preseason game and begin the first of a back-to-back in Philadelphia.
Blake Griffin did not make the trip due to hamstring soreness, according to The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III, and backup Markieff Morris is questionable due to illness. Detroit’s frontcourt rotations could get wild if Morris is out. Regardless, it gives Christian Wood and Thon Maker the spotlight to see increased minutes as they continue their training camp battle. It also should open up more minutes for Joe Johnson.
Tip-off: 7 p.m. ET
TV: NBA TV
Radio: 97.1 The Ticket
Streams: FUBO.TV or Fox Sports Go
Last time out: Pistons (2-1) beat Cleveland 109-105. Philadelphia (2-0) beat Orlando 126-94
Over/under: 218.5 (according to The Score)
Lines: Philadelphia -4.5 (according to The Score)
Social Poll
Before each game, the @PistonPowered Twitter account will tweet out a poll for fans to vote on whatever pressing topic comes to mind. Tuesday’s is dealing with the minutes available at power forward against the Sixers.
In lieu of learning Blake Griffin is our and Markieff Morris is questionable, who do you want to see get a bump in minutes tonight for the #Pistons against the #Sixers?
— PistonPowered (@PistonPowered) October 15, 2019
What to expect
The unexpected. With Griffin out and Morris possibly out, Detroit’s frontcourt lineups could get wild. The game could also get out of hand and, with it being the first game of a back-to-back, minutes should be spread throughout the roster. Health is the biggest key to Detroit’s success so don’t expect them to play starters a lot of minutes knowing they have a game in Charlotte tomorrow.
If the starters do end up playing a heavy dosage of minutes, then expect the younger players to get more run on Wednesday in Charlotte.
Philadelphia listed Ben Simmons (back tightness), Al Horford (rest) and James Ennis III (right calf strain) out, according to the Detroit News’ Rod Beard. That leaves plenty of opportunities for both frontcourts to have younger or rotational players step up.
DFS tips
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Since there isn’t the typical daily fantasy sports column Tuesday, here are a few tips for players. First off, if you’re new to DFS, here is a brief overview of the types of games one can play and a few tips for starters.
With point guard minutes opening up for Philadelphia, Trey Burke ($4,400 on DraftKings and $5,300 on FanDuel) and Raul Neto ($4,200 on DK and $3,500 on FD) become great value plays on a three-game slate or the showdown. Neto is of particular value on FanDuel at a minimum salary.
Griffin’s absence and the possibility of Morris sitting leaves a great spot for Wood ($4,400 on DK and $5,900 on FD) to showcase what he can do in extended minutes. On the flipside, Horford sitting out opens up minutes for Mike Scott ($4,400 on DK and $3,700 on FD), Jonah Bolden ($4,200 on DK and $3,500 on FD) and Kyle O’Quinn ($4,400 on DK and $3,500 on FD).
The best of these value plays are likely Wood on either website, Burke on DraftKings or Neto on FanDuel and either Scott or Bolden.
Sound off
Enjoy the game with other Pistons and Sixers fans in the comments section. Our writers will be chiming in to provide their insight and analysis. Fans can also join the conversation on our Twitter account.
In addition to the poll question, are you worried about Blake Griffin’s hamstring soreness after three preseason games?