This has been a year of streaks for the Detroit Pistons.
Not only did they enjoy an 8-game win streak of their own (longest since 2008), but ended several long losing streaks, including to the Knicks, Celtics and Clippers, teams that had been beating up on Detroit for years.
They’ll try to end another tonight, as they have lost four straight to the Utah Jazz, including one earlier this season in which Utah killed Detroit with a barrage of 3-point shots and free throws.
Detroit always seems to struggle in Utah, even more than the name “Jazz” struggles to exist in a place where music goes to die. Just give New Orleans back their name already and call Utah something more appropriate. I’ll let you decide what that looks like.
The Pistons have won 9-of-10, but this is the beginning of a four-game road trip in the Western Conference, which is always difficult, so Detroit can’t afford to lose to the Jazz.
They need to end the streak tonight and quiet whatever alien jazz music is coming out of Utah.
Pistons injuries vs. Jazz: Will Tobias Harris play tonight?
There was an unexpected name on the Pistons’ injury report to go along with Jaden Ivey, who is still rehabbing from his broken leg.
Tobias Harris has been ruled out for tonight for “personal reasons” which leaves the Pistons dangerously thin at power forward, as they don’t really have a backup for Harris.
This is going to test the defense, as Ausar Thompson will likely have to spend more time at the four, which will challenge the perimeter. It also shows one of Detroit's big offseason needs, which will be more depth there, as Simone Fontecchio isn't really a four but may get the start tonight.
Utah has two very good power forwards in Lauri Markkanen and John Collins, who both missed last night’s game against the Pelicans.
They are listed as day-to-day along with Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson.
Taylor Hendricks is actually injured and out for the season.
Considering they were playing fellow bottom feeder New Orleans last night, the other five absences stink of tank injuries, as the Jazz were able to maintain the worst record in the Western Conference.
Check the official injury report before the game to see if these guys have miraculously recovered. After five years of doing this, it’s nice for the Detroit Pistons to not be the team egregiously tanking down the stretch.
How to watch Pistons vs. Jazz
Ahhh, the dreaded West, which means the game won’t start until 9:00 PM ET, the worst, especially for those of us living overseas.
The game will be shown on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit or you can listen on 97.1 FM The Ticket.
Amazon Prime is now streaming the rest of the Pistons games (for a price) and you can find other streaming options here.