Detroit Pistons: 3 things to watch in crucial game against the Wizards

The Detroit Pistons will play the second game of a back-to-back against the Washington Wizards tonight at Little Caesar’s Arena.

Both teams are fresh off losses and are headed towards a lottery pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

The Pistons had a pathetic performance against the Trail Blazers as Portland’s starting backcourt outscored Detroit’s entire starting five.

Jerami Grant did have a nice bounce-back game after a couple of duds and newcomer Hamidou Diallo continues to look like a steal for the Pistons (more on that later).

This game won’t be one for casual fans or big ratings, but it does have some implications for the Pistons both in the standings and in their internal positional battles for future roster spots.

Here are three things to watch when the Detroit Pistons take on the Washington Wizards.

Detroit Pistons: Game vs. Wizards is crucial for the standings

This game against the Wizards could end up being very important for the Detroit Pistons. Not only are the Wizards one of the tanking teams Detroit is battling for the number one pick, but there are a couple of other games that could have impact.

While the Pistons are taking on the Wizards the Cleveland Cavaliers will be playing the 76ers and the Orlando Magic will be going up against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Pistons are currently three games “ahead” of the Magic for the worst record in the Eastern Conference and the Cavaliers are right on the Magic’s heels.

If the Pistons win this one and both the other teams lose, they will be breathing down the Pistons’ neck, so this is a game that the Pistons don’t really want to win.

If Dwane Casey decided to sit Jerami Grant for any type of minor injury on the second game of a back-to-back, I would not be unhappy.