Detroit Pistons to debut new starting lineup against Memphis Grizzlies
Essentials
Teams: Detroit Pistons vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Date: Jan. 12, 2011
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Television: Fox Sports Detroit
Records
Pistons: 12-25
Grizzlies: 17-21
Probable starters
Pistons:
Grizzlies:
- Mike Conley
- Tony Allen
- Rudy Gay
- Zach Randolph
- Marc Gasol
Las Vegas projection
Spread: Pistons +3
Over/under: 194.5
Score: Grizzlies win, 98.75-95.75
Three things to watch
1. New starting lineup
I covered my thoughts on the Pistons’ new starting starting lineup earlier in the day.
2. Backup guards
Rodney Stuckey has been the Pistons’ top point guard this season, and he’s starting at shooting guard. His primary backup, Tracy McGrady, will start at point guard. So, how will the backcourt minutes shakeout?
Will John Kuester pull Stuckey or McGrady early so they can split time at point guard as the game progresses? If not, Will Bynum will likely see an increased role. And if Bynum plays more, does that mean one of Ben Gordon or Richard Hamilton won’t play? And if Hamilton sits out, is that because of performance or trade considerations – or both?
There are a lot of questions. Maybe some of them will be answered tonight.
3. Charlie Villanueva’s attitude
I’m sure Charlie Villanueva isn’t happy to lose his starting job, but how will he react? Will he sulk or keep playing hard? Is he better off the bench, anyway?
Judging by his pregame tweets, he’ll be fine, but the real test comes on the court.
Pregame reading
- Chip Crain previews the game for 3 Shades of Blue.
- Mike Payne previews the game for Detroit Bad Boys.
- Beckley Mason of Hoopspeak.com assesses the collateral damage of the rumored Carmelo Anthony trade.
Leave a Reply
Jan 12, 2011 • 7:34 pm
by gmehl1977
Its funny how Memphis played in front of a crowd of a 1000 last game due to the weather. I am guessing tonight at the Palace it might not be as small but at least they can blame weather.
Jan 12, 2011 • 8:13 pm
by gmehl1977
Z-Bo might go for 50 and 20 tonight if were not careful.
Jan 12, 2011 • 9:29 pm
by Rodman4Life
OMG! This 3rd quarter thing is ridiculous, but I have to point a finger at the coaches. We look out of sorts and unprepared. This is unacceptable. Red Hot Chili Peppers in the 3rd: “giveitaway, giveitaway, giveitaway now!”
Jan 12, 2011 • 10:29 pm
by gmehl1977
Ok i wasn’t too far off. Z-Bo with 34 and 17. Who is the last player to get close to those figures? Grant Hill? Rasheed? He ate us up!
Jan 12, 2011 • 10:48 pm
by Dan Feldman
GMehl,
Last for the Pistons: Grant Hill
Last against the Pistons: Shaquille O’Neal
Jan 12, 2011 • 10:50 pm
by gmehl1977
Apart from being the ‘Graph guru’ you are also the ‘Stat master’. I bet you didn’t even have reference either :-)
Jan 13, 2011 • 12:04 am
by jack
I thought the Pistons besides the now normal 3rd quarter collapse were good. They moved the ball and played good defense. The Memphis team just made some tough contested jumpers with Gay in particular being very impressive. I though the Grizz offensive rebounding was also a factor with Randolph getting alot of second effort rebounds along with Gasol making alot of tap out on the offensive glass which resulted new possessions.
If the Pistons can replicate this kind of effort against the Raptors and the Kings they should win both games.