Game Preview: Detroit Pistons at Toronto Raptors

Essentials

Date: Dec. 27, 2009

Time: 1 p.m.

Television: Fox Sports Detroit

Records

Detroit: 11-18

Toronto: 14-17

Probable starters

Detroit:

Toronto:

Las Vegas projection

Spread: No line

Over/under: No line

Score: No line

Statistical projection

Detroit offensive rating: 103.7 (23rd)

Detroit defensive rating: 107.8 (19th)

Detroit pace: 88.0 (29th)

Toronto offensive rating: 111.2 (4th)

Toronto defensive rating: 114.1 (30th)

Toronto pace: 92.8 (15th)

Score: Toronto wins, 99-98

Outlook

Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Ben Gordon are all expected back today, according to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press.

This is great news in the long run. As we’ve seen, Detroit can’t compete with so many players injured.

Today? I’m not so sure. I’d imagine at least one of the three will be rusty, probably more. Don’t get your hopes up yet.

With the three players’ returns, the lineup becomes another issue. Hamilton and Prince will likely start. I have no idea whether Jonas Jerebko or Jason Maxiell will start at power forward.

• Check out the Raptors Republic preview. In addition to their take on the game, I answer a few questions. For one:

What you think about the first two times the Pistons/Raptors played this season?

Both times, the Pistons had played the night before and the Raptors were on two days rest. Yes, Toronto has looked excellent in those games. But both teams are on three days rest this time. I’m not ready to concede the Raptors are so much better than the Pistons until we see this third game — and maybe not even then if Richard Hamilton and Ben Gordon return from injury, but look rusty.

Head to Raptors Republic for more analysis of the game.

• If you’re trying to kill time before tipoff, Vince Ellis has a cool article about the Pistons’ new plane.

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