Detroit Pistons (25-9) travel to the Rocket Arena to face Cleveland Cavaliers (20-16) for their second meeting of the season. The first resulted in a blowout victory for Cleveland away from home by 116-95.
This game feels like it holds a different weight of importance for Cleveland as we roll into the New Year. After three straight wins, there is still an overall feeling of scepticism around this team after a poor start to the season. Cleveland limped over the line against a heavily depleted Denver on Friday night after a 4th quarter comeback. It was another poor performance in a season that has been littered with them. Cleveland had 16 turnovers, 7 more than Denver.
Donovan Mitchell will be key tonight, as he has been all season. Averaging 29.8 PPG with 49.7% FG. He was the catalyst for their victory over Detroit earlier in the season, scoring 35 points in just 29 minutes. Playing with pace will be the key for Cleveland. Detroit has the 2nd best half court defence in the league behind Oklahoma. They struggled to stop Miami on Thursday, who have been the quickest paced offence in the last 5 games. Cleveland will want to push the ball quickly and execute to stop Detroit having a good defensive night.
Detroit has lacked consistency in recent weeks. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games, but still top the East with an impressive 25-9 record overall. The key to their impressive start this season has been half court defence. They rank 2nd in the league for half court defence and rebounding. Teams have struggled to get good shooting opportunities.
A concern for Detroit fans will be their last performance against in form Miami, who showed the blueprint on how to disrupt Detroit. Play physical defence and then get out and run quickly in transition. Miami scored 26 fast break points compared to Detroit’s 18. This was the difference for Miami.
Betting Markets:
- Detroit Pistons ML (+150)/Cleveland Cavaliers ML (-200)
- Detroit Pistons +4.5 pts (-110)/Cleveland Cavaliers -4.5 pts (-110)
- Over 238.5 pts (-110)/Under 238.5 pts (-110)
Our Prediction:
Tonight is an opportunity for Cleveland to put a marker down against an Eastern Conference rival. Their offence has been stagnant recently without Mitchell’s contributions, and I think that changes tonight.
Detroit are good at generating offence in different ways. There will be less presence in the paint without Duren, but I could see that resulting in faster offensive pace.
Recent Form:
Injury Report:
Detroit Pistons: Tobias Harris (Out), Jalen Duren (Out), Caris LaVert (Out)
Cleveland Cavaliers: Max Strus (Out), Larry Nance Jr (Out), Jarrett Allen (Questionable), Sam Merrill (Questionable), Dean Wade (Questionable)