Game Preview: Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic

Essentials

Date: Nov. 3, 2009

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Television: Fox Sports Detroit

Records

Detroit: 1-2

Orlando: 3-0

Probable starters

Detroit:

Orlando:

Las Vegas projection

Spread: Detroit +6.5

Over/under: 193.5

Score: Orlando wins, 100-94

Statistical projection

Detroit offensive rating: 100.9 (21st)

Detroit defensive rating: 99.7 (7th)

Detroit pace: 87.2 (30th)

Orlando offensive rating: 123.0 (1st)

Orlando defensive rating: 111.0 (20th)

Orlando pace 92.2 (20th)

Score: Tie, 100-100

Outlook

The Magic are the first team the Pistons play this year that made the playoffs last season. You’d like to Detroit have a winning record after opening with weaker competition, but Orlando isn’t unbeatable.

Although Richard Hamilton will be out for Detroit, the Magic are missing three starters:

• Vince Carter is a game-time decision, but he’s doubtful with a sprained ankle, according to OrlandoMagic.com
• Mickael Pietrus stayed in Orlando with the flu, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
• Rashard Lewis is still serving his suspension for failing a drug test (the Pistons luckily play the Magic twice while he’s out).

Orlando is still probably better than Detroit. But it’s not a slam dunk.\

• Check out Orlando Magic Daily’s preview.
• No live blog here tonight, but I’ll be chatting on ESPN’s Daily Dime. The chat begins at 7:00, and I’ll probably join a little closer to the Pistons’ tipoff.

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