Game Preview: Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers

Essentials

Date: Jan. 22, 2010

Time: 8 p.m.

Television: Fox Sports Detroit

Records

Detroit: 15-26

Indiana: 14-28

Probable starters

Detroit:

Indiana :

Las Vegas projection

Spread: Detroit -3.5

Over/under: 199

Score: Detroit wins, 101-98

Statistical projection

Detroit offensive rating: 103.4 (24th)

Detroit defensive rating: 108.7 (21st)

Detroit pace: 88.7 (29th)

Indiana offensive rating: 101.2 (27th)

Indiana defensive rating: 106.8 (16th)

Indiana pace: 97.7 (2nd)

Score: Tie, 98-98

Outlook

• Doesn’t this just feel like a win? I know I probably jinxed it, but Detroit is at home, has won 4-of-5 and is favored for the first time since a Jan. 9 game against the 76ers.
• The Pistons are league’s second-slowest team, and Indiana is second-fastest. This game will be a good gauge of whether the Pistons are truly committed to running more.
• I’m excited to watch Jonas Jerebko cover Danny Granger. It will be a good test for the rookie, but not impossible — like when he had to guard Kobe Bryant or LeBron James.
• If you missed it earlier, my mid-season grades are up.
• Check out today’s trade idea. It’s with the Pacers, so you can do some scouting tonight.
• I won’t be around, but head to Daily Dime Live to chat during the game.

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