Game Preview: Detroit Pistons at Chicago Bulls

Essentials

Date: Jan. 11, 2010

Time: 8 p.m.

Television: Fox Sports Detroit

Records

Detroit: 11-24

Chicago: 15-20

Probable starters

Detroit:

Chicago:

Las Vegas projection

Spread: Detroit +6

Over/under: 193.5

Score: Chicago wins, 100-94

Statistical projection

Detroit offensive rating: 103.5 (24th)

Detroit defensive rating: 109.2 (22nd)

Detroit pace: 88.2 (29th)

Chicago offensive rating: 99.6 (29th)

Chicago defensive rating: 104.7 (11th)

Chicago pace: 92.6 (15th)

Score: Tie, 94-94

Outlook

Rodney Stuckey says the Pistons will run tonight, according to Keith Langlois of Pistons.com.

The most possessions the Pistons have had in a 48-minute game this season is 98. For perspective, five teams average more possessions per 48 minutes than that.

So, not only do the Pistons not run like the Warriors, Pacers, Timberwolves, Nuggets or Suns, Detroit hasn’t played that fast once this season.

But Las Vegas seems to believe it will happen tonight. The game’s over/under is much higher than the team’s previous stats would seem to indicate. And Pistons coach John Kuester is starting Chris Wilcox, Detroit’s power forward most suited to run.

I know many were hoping Charlie Villanueva would start, but I like this move. Wilcox is the best option to score after being set up by Richard Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey or Tayshaun Prince. That will also open the offense for those three.

Villanueva can create his own offense, and that will be more valuable with bench players.

UPDATE: Jonas Jerebko will replace Tayshaun Prince (inactive, knee) in the starting lineup, according to Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News.

• I’ll to try to stop by Daily Dime Live tonight, but I’m not sure if I can.

Be Sociable, Share!

•