The Detroit Pistons have lost two straight, games that could come back to haunt them, as they had chances to win them both.
Late turnovers and a lack of execution killed the Pistons last night against the Warriors after they regained a late lead, but it also took an unlikely 3-pointer from Draymond Green on a shot you will give him every time.
They were tough losses, but the Pistons probably feel like they missed opportunities to move up in the standings.
Another way to look at it was that this was the perfect time to lose two games, as the Knicks have lost three straight, the Bucks one, the Pacers two and the Pistons retained their 5-game cushion over 7-seed Atlanta, who has moved up even though they’ve only won four of their last 10 games.
It’s a shame that the Pistons couldn’t catch the Pacers, as these were winnable games, but they lost to two playoff teams on the road, so some of the doom and gloom I saw this morning is a bit much.
Detroit doesn’t have any time to sulk, as they have another test tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers, a team that is much better than expected this season. This is the final road game before the Pistons head home for two in a row against the Wizards, so it would be nice to get this one on the second game of a back-to-back.
Pistons injuries vs. Trail Blazers: A must-win game against a shorthanded team
The Pistons have just Jaden Ivey on the injured list thus far, so should have the lineup that has become the regular since he went out back at the beginning of January.
The Trail Blazers have a slew of players on the injury report already, as Matisse Thybulle, Robert Williams III and Deandre Ayton have all been ruled out for tonight’s game with Jabari Walker and Deni Avdija listed as questionable.
The Trail Blazers have also lost two straight, but can’t be taken lightly, as they are a good home team with a 16-14 record in their own building.
How to watch Pistons vs. Trail Blazers
Thankfully, this is the last of these miserable Western Conference road games that start at 9:00 PM ET. Is there some reason Sunday games have to start this late? Some of us are old and have to work!
Old man rants aside, you can watch on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit or listen on 97.1 FM The Ticket.
Amazon Prime is now streaming the games (for a cost) or you have other streaming options here.