The Detroit Pistons will look to break their two-game slump on the road tonight against the Houston Rockets, who are currently the 2nd seed in the Western Conference.
This is the first game of a five-game road trip that will feature the Rockets, Hawks, Magic, Cavaliers and Pacers, one of the toughest of the season.
The Pistons will then come back to Detroit for six straight that will take us right to the trade deadline, so it’s not hyperbole to say that the Pistons’ plans could be altered depending on how this five-game road trip goes.
The Pistons are currently .500, the 9th seed in the Eastern Conference, so any big changes to that over the next five could sway them toward being buyers or sellers.
The Rockets will also be monitoring trade opportunities, as they are one of the best teams in the league already and may feel the right addition could push them into championship contention.
The game will potentially feature the third matchup between twins Ausar Thompson and his brother Amen, though we will have to wait until game time to find out.
Pistons injuries vs. Rockets: Will Amen Thompson play tonight?
Amen Thompson has won both matchups against his brother so far and is having the far better season. Amen is averaging 12.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per game and is rightfully getting some All-Star buzz.
To be fair, Ausar is still working his way back to 100 percent after missing all of the offseason, training camp and the beginning of the regular season and there are signs he is getting there. He’s averaging 7.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals but so far has done it on around half the minutes that his brother is getting.
We may not get to see the matchup tonight, as Amen Thompson is listed as questionable with a calf injury.
The Rockets will also be missing Jabari Smith Jr., who has a fractured hand.
The Pistons will still be missing Jaden Ivey, who will be re-evaluated for his broken leg in about a week.
How to watch Pistons vs. Rockets
The city of Detroit is still in depression and disbelief over the Lions’ loss, but what better way to forget that than to throw yourself behind this Pistons team?
The game has an early 2:00 PM ET tip-off and you can watch on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit or listen on 97.1 FM The Ticket.
For streaming options, click here.
The Pistons have to hope to get a couple of wins on this road trip to keep themselves in the playoff mix and make their trade deadline decisions a little easier.