Detroit Pistons: 3 killer matchups vs. the Indiana Pacers

The Detroit Pistons are entering a tough 9-game stretch of the schedule tonight against the Indiana Pacers at Little Caesar’s Arena.

The Pistons are trying to break their four-game losing streak at home and their winless streak against the Central Division. The Pistons have already lost four divisional games and would like to get off that zero.

The Pacers have started slowly as well at just 6-9, two games ahead of the Pistons in the standings, though nearly all of the Pacers wins have come against quality teams.

The Pacers are a team many picked to make the playoffs in the suddenly loaded Eastern Conference and their roster has some brutal matchups for the Detroit Pistons.

Here are three matchups to watch tonight and what the Detroit Pistons need to do to win them.

Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers: Isaiah Stewart vs. Myles Turner

The Detroit Pistons are dead last in the NBA in rebounding, so Stewart’s primary task is to control the boards, especially on the defensive end.

Turner is averaging 1.5 offensive rebounds per game, so Stewart needs to box out and help the Pistons close out possessions on defense.

The Pistons are not a big team, so teams like Indiana (who have two talented bigs) are going to create matchup problems.

Turner also happens to be the Pacers’ best 3-point shooter, hitting 43 percent of his long-range shots on 4.8 attempts per game, so Stewart can’t live in the paint or Turner will make him pay.

Turner is also one the best shot blockers in the NBA, averaging 3.3 per game, which will limit Stewart’s already limited post game.

This is tough matchup for Beef Stew, who needs to be physical with Turner without fouling.