Detroit Pistons: 3 things to watch vs. the Sacramento Kings

The Detroit Pistons will take on the Sacramento Kings in a game that will not get huge ratings but still has plenty to watch for Detroit.

The tank is still going as planned as Detroit has the third-worst record in the NBA, which still gives them maximum odds to stay in the top-four and to hopefully land the number one pick overall.

But that battle is largely out of their hands, as there are several other teams involved, so the Pistons can only play their games and see what happens.

I am more interested in the internal battles for minutes, future roster positions and roles for next season.

Here are three things to watch when the Pistons and Kings go head to head at the Golden 1 Center.

Detroit Pistons: The growth of Killian Hayes

Killian Hayes has played two games since returning from injury but sat the last one out as it was the second game of a back-to-back.

I doubt Hayes will play any back-to-backs for the remainder of the season, as there is no reason to push him and risk another injury.

It may have only been two games, but Hayes already looks better than he did early in the season, so hopefully some time on the bench did him some good.

He has flashed great instincts, a high basketball I.Q. and potentially elite passing, which is exactly what you want to see from a young point guard still trying to adjust to the NBA.

The Sacramento Kings don’t play defense at all, so this is a good game for Hayes to break out and show what he can do.

Hopefully, he will play 25 minutes and fill the scorecard against the Kings who don’t really have anyone who can stop him on the perimeter.

The growth of Killian Hayes is something all fans of the Detroit Pistons will be watching over these last 21 games.