Pistons get a look at what could’ve been their starting backcourt tonight in Denver

Essentials

Teams: Detroit Pistons at Denver Nuggets

Date: March 12,  2011

Time: 9 p.m.

Television: Fox Sports Detroit Plus

Records

Pistons: 23-43

Thunder: 38-27

Probable starters

Pistons:

• Tracy McGrady
• Ben Gordon
• Tayshaun Prince
• Chris Wilcox
• Greg Monroe

Nuggets:

• Ty Lawson
• Arron Afflalo
• Wilson Chandler
• Kenyon Martin
• Nene

Las Vegas projection

Spread: Pistons +9.5

Over/under: 208.5

Score: Nuggets win, 109-99.5

Three things to watch

1. The Nuggets backcourt

The Pistons had a chance to draft Ty Lawson in 2009 and passed. Arron Afflalo was on their team and they gave him away to shed his salary. Together, Lawson and Afflalo are going to help lead the Nuggets into the West playoffs even after the team traded franchise players Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony.

2. Monroe’s passing

Last night, Monroe showed off the passing skills that were his most talked about trait positive coming out of college. In order for him to show them off more often, he needs to touch the ball more. Hopefully the Pistons give him some extended looks running their offense through him, both so he can use his passing and so fans get a chance to see where his low post game is at when he is asked to create shots for himself.

3. Hamilton’s consistency

Rip Hamilton used to be among the Pistons’ most consistent players. Needless to say, his fluctuating minutes along with his own poor performances have now made him one of the team’s most inconsistent. He played well last night and it would be nice to see him close the season with some good shooting performances to build a little bit of value back up.

Pregame Reading

• Probably not a Rasheed Wallace sighting
• McGrady respects Kevin Durant
• Interested in Pistons players’ shoes? SLAM has the database

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