Detroit Pistons: 3 things to watch vs. Bulls with Cade Cunningham out
Fans of the Detroit Pistons are going to have to wait to see Cade Cunningham, who will miss the home opener vs. the Bulls with a sprained ankle.
#Pistons Cade Cunningham is OUT for Wednesday's opener against the #Bulls.
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) October 19, 2021
This is disappointing news, but the Pistons have been subtly lowering expectations for his return for over a week now, so fans should have been prepared.
It wouldn’t be smart to rush the number one pick back into action, as he still hasn’t practiced fully and the Detroit Pistons don’t want to risk further injury.
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Disappointment aside, there is still plenty to watch against the Chicago Bulls, who could be one of the Pistons’ biggest rivals this season and present some fun and challenging matchups for Detroit.
Here are three things I look forward to as the Pistons try to stem the tide of Cade Cunningham’s injury.
Detroit Pistons: Killian Hayes vs. Lonzo Ball
With Cade Cunningham sidelined, second-year point guard Killian Hayes will likely get the start and primary defensive duties against Lonzo Ball.
I think this is a great matchup for Hayes, as he has the strength to push Lonzo around a bit and the quickness to stay in front of him. Killian can also play with pace on the other end and force Lonzo to use his energy defending.
Lonzo is a gifted passer and above-average shooter from long range, but he is not great at putting the ball on the floor and driving, so Killian needs to stay in his grill and make him drive or take contested shots. If you give Lonzo Ball space, he will find open players, so Hayes need to try and play him tight.
The new-look Bulls have a lot more weapons than last season, but if Hayes can keep Lonzo in check by himself, it will really help the other Pistons’ defenders, who are going to have their hands full trying to stop Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic.