The Pistons will miss Ausar Thompson for the 5th straight game tonight against the 76ers as he recovers from an ankle sprain. Thompson's absence will open up a hole in the typical starting lineup that can be filled in a number of ways, but has most often been occupied by Marcus Sasser recently. Detroit was on a losing streak to start Ausar's absence but got back in the win column last game against the Nets.
Lining up across from them will be an embattled Philadelphia squad. The 76ers are missing their three highest-paid players in Tyrese Maxey (finger), Joel Embiid (oblique) and Paul George (suspension). It should be a great opportunity for the Pistons to pick up another dominant victory and get back to their fundamentals. The Pistons should dominate defensively against a team missing its usual offensive fulcrums.
The 76ers injury report is the story of the game
While the Pistons may still be held back by their key injuries to Ausar Thompson and Caris LeVert, it's nothing compared to the 76ers' woes. Philly had been reliant on Maxey to carry their offense this season and he led the league in total minutes played until he went down with injury. Now they will be forced to rely on rookie VJ Edgecombe and a ragtag starting group next to him that consists of journeymen and former two-way players.
The Pistons should get good contributions from their entire team, including former 76er Tobias Harris. Harris has often taken advantage of less experienced opponents this season, and he could do more of the same against the 76ers' rotations tonight. But the spotlight will rightfully be on the Pistons' All-Star duo of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren.
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren need to be dominant as usual
In the Pistons' most recent win, both Cunningham and Duren shined against a clearly overmatched Nets team. Cade finished with 21 points and 15 assists while Duren racked up a quick and efficient 26 points in a 38-point victory. The Pistons got back to their usual winning ways and even showed some new tricks, including surprising success shooting the ball from deep.
The Pistons are still in first place atop the East, but the lead is no longer comfortable. The Celtics are gaining momentum and new energy from the return of Jayson Tatum. To keep their grip on the top seed, the Pistons will need every win they can get - especially against injured or lesser teams.
Expect the Pistons to come out of the gate hot in this one and take advantage of the 76ers' injuries. If Detroit can bring good energy along with their talent advantage, they should pick up another win tonight.