Game Preview: Detroit Pistons vs. New Jersey Nets

Essentials

Date: Feb. 6, 2010

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Television: Fox Sports Detroit

Records

Detroit: 16-32

New Jersey: 4-45

Probable starters

Detroit:

New Jersey:

Las Vegas projection

Spread: Detroit -7

Over/under: 187

Score: Detroit wins, 97-90

Statistical projection

Detroit offensive rating: 102.9 (26th)

Detroit defensive rating: 109.2 (22nd)

Detroit pace: 88.4 (29th)

New Jersey offensive rating: 97.6 (30th)

New Jersey defensive rating: 110.2 (26th)

New Jersey pace: 92.1 (17th)

Score: Detroit wins, 96-93

Outlook

As Dan so eloquently put it last night mid-way through the 3rd quarter of the Pistons’ loss to the Pacers, “this team is full of suck.” Winning this game won’t change that.

These teams are both at the bottom of their respective divisions, and the two worst overall in the Eastern Conference. The Nets have lost five straight and the Pistons have dropped six of their last seven. Neither team is performing well, a fact that was made obvious when they met last week. It was sloppy, uninspired basketball. Tonight, Detroit needs to take advantage of its healthy roster and league-worst opponent and get a convincing win.

This game kicks off a four-game run against mostly underwhelming opponents. Many times this year I’ve been optimistic that a win in a contest like this could be a catalyst for Detroit to make a run. So far I’ve been mostly disappointed. But I haven’t given up.

If the Pistons can start making a consistent effort, there’s still time to turn this thing around. Even if making the playoffs is little more than a pipe dream, at least they can move out of the Eastern Conference basement.

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