Detroit Pistons: How to beat Jerami Grant and the Trail Blazers

Keys in Detroit Pistons vs. Portland Trail Blazers

3. Holding Grant or Simons to a tough night

Portland’s offense is spearheaded by the trio of Grant, Lillard, and Simons. Heading into Monday’s game, all three players are currently averaging 22 points or more. While Lillard is likely to get his points, forcing Simons or Grant into a tough shooting night would go a long way in securing a victory.

For the Detroit Pistons, there are a few more options towards guarding Simons. Ivey, Alec Burks, and Hamidou Diallo will likely all see time on Simons, along with Saddiq Bey, who could see time guarding both Grant and Simons throughout the game. Forcing one of, or both players to play off the three-point line, and forcing them towards the paint could pose trouble for Portland.

Detroit’s frontcourt of Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren has added an extra layer of intensity within the paint, as both bigs have often acted as a second line of defense for the other. Forcing Simons inside the three-point line could pay major dividends for the Pistons. The 6-foot-3 guard is currently averaging over 10 three-point attempts per game, second on the team to Lillard.

Stopping either Grant or Simons will certainly prove to be difficult, even if Detroit is able to prevent them from getting their usual shots from behind the arc. Both are more than capable of putting the ball on the floor and creating for themselves. However, if Detroit can keep a steady stream of bodies at one of the two throughout the game, and Duren and Stewart can effectively protect the interior, the Pistons could certainly have a chance at limiting one of Portland’s three stars, which could be the deciding factor in the game’s outcome.