Game Preview: Detroit Pistons at Dallas Mavericks

Essentials

Date: Jan. 5, 2010

Time: 8:30 p.m.

Television: Fox Sports Detroit

Records

Detroit: 11-21

Dallas: 23-11

Probable starters

Detroit:

Dallas:

Las Vegas projection

Spread: Detroit +8.5

Over/under: 187

Score: Dallas wins, 98-89

Statistical projection

Detroit offensive rating: 103.5 (24th)

Detroit defensive rating: 108.4 (21st)

Detroit pace: 88.1 (29th)

Dallas offensive rating: 107.3 (13th)

Dallas defensive rating: 103.7 (7th)

Dallas pace: 92.5 (17th)

Score: Dallas wins, 97-94

Outlook

Everyone is assuming the Pistons will lose their next two games (tonight and at San Antonio tomorrow), myself included. Playing a pair of excellent teams on the road, there’s little reason for hope.

But Detroit didn’t win when there seemed to be a chance. So maybe, and I know this a reach, the complete lack of pressure will cause the Pistons to play better.

A more realistic scenario: the Mavericks will use tonight’s game to get back on track after losing by 35 to the Lakers on Sunday.

• Will Bynum will miss tonight’s and tomorrow’s games, according to Chris Iott of MLive.
• I’m not sure yet if I’ll be around, but stop by Daily Dime Live to chat during the game.

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