Detroit Pistons: 3 things to watch in crucial tank-off vs. Timberwolves

The Detroit Pistons will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in what will be the most important game of the season for both teams.

In fact, it’s not exaggeration to say this will be the Pistons’ most important game in many years, and that the future of the franchise could hang on the outcome.

Win and the Pistons create a cluster of teams in the lottery order and could find themselves on the outside of the top five in lottery odds.

Lose, and they have all but guaranteed a spot in the bottom three, which would give them the best possible odds for a top-four pick.

Of course, nothing is given from there but the Detroit Pistons at least want to have the best possible chance to get some favor from the Lottery Gods.

It’s going to be a tank-off for the ages, with both teams with something to gain from losing the game.

Here are three things to watch in a crucial tank battle vs. the Timberwolves.

Detroit Pistons: Who will play against Minnesota?

The first question of the game is who is going to play?

The Detroit Pistons will have at least eight players out with injury, possibly nine depending on the status of Frank Jackson. Jackson has been playing like a poor man’s Jordan Clarkson lately, so I imagine the Pistons will look for every reason to keep him on the bench.

He’ll be joined there by Jerami Grant, Cory Joseph, Mason Plumlee, Hamidou Diallo, Josh Jackson, Wayne Ellington, Rodney McGruder and Dennis Smith Jr.

Phew! The Pistons might sit Dwane Casey, Hooper the mascot and even the Dancing Usher tonight to ensure a loss.

The Timberwolves are still without Jarrett Culver and Malik Beasley, with Juancho Hernangomez listed as day-to-day.

It will be another night for the youth to get important developmental minutes, including Killian Hayes who will try to build off the best game of his career.