The Detroit Pistons dropped a close one to the Indiana Pacers to open the season, and even though they lost, there were some reasons for optimism.
They were competitive, blah blah blah, but moral victories aren’t enough these days, the Pistons have to start closing out games, which they did not do against Indiana after leading most of the way.
The Pistons mostly played good defense against the Pacers but fell apart in the 4th quarter at the same time their offense stalled, which is what cost them the game.
Detroit will take on another good team tonight when they travel to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers and will have to do some things differently if they want to steal a road win.
Pistons injuries vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Pistons will still be missing Ausar Thompson and Bobi Klintman for tonight’s matchup in Cleveland.
Both players are out indefinitely and there has been no timeline given for their return. The Pistons clearly missed Thompson in the first game, as they needed someone who could provide some weakside rim protection and grab a few rebounds, not to mention a defender who could have slowed down TJ McConnell, who torched the Pistons in the second half.
The Cavaliers will also be missing two players, with Max Strus and Emoni Bates both sidelined indefinitely after a sprained ankle and knee surgery, respectively.
How to watch Pistons vs. Cavaliers
As with all games this season, the 7:30 PM ET tip off in Cleveland will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, the villain formerly known as Bally Sports.
You can listen on 97.1 FM The Ticket if you’re in the car or just like to use your imagination.
Steaming options include NBA League Pass if you are out of market or you can stream FanDuel's coverage on FuboTV with a free trial.
You can find your full streaming guide here, as there are some new options this season.
What the Detroit Pistons need to do differently against the Cavaliers
The Pistons did plenty right against the Pacers, but fell short, which is the next hurdle they have to overcome. For years we’ve been talking about this team wilting in the 4th quarter, so for them to take the next leap as a team, they have to start closing out games.
I’m sick of hearing about how the Pistons played well except for that pesky 4th quarter. They need to stay focused defensively and move the ball in the final frame, two things they did not do against Indiana.
The Pistons also need to hit some shots, which is the most obvious problem, as they shot just 43 percent from the floor in the opener and 27 percent from long range. Make a few more of those shots, and suddenly defense isn’t as difficult.
This is especially true of Tobias Harris (who was 1-of-6 from 3-point range) and the bench, as the Pistons got nothing from Simone Fontecchio in the opener and Malik Beasley only made two of his six attempts from long range.
Finally, the Pistons will have to play much better defense against the Cleveland bigs, especially Jalen Duren. Tobias Harris not a shot blocker, and though he gives energy on the defensive end, he’s not going to bail Duren out if he gets burned.
Duren had some decent stretches in the first game, but fell apart in the 2nd half when the Pacers started making him defend in space. Myles Turner went off and was the difference in the game.
Duren and Harris have another tough frontcourt assignment tonight, though the Cavs’ bigs aren’t as versatile offensively. Duren will have to do a better job or we may see more of Isaiah Stewart tonight.