Tonight at 7:00pm EST the Pistons will be hosting the Brooklyn Nets. The Pistons are on the second night of a back to back after losing to the Sixers. The Nets are on one day of rest after beating the Hawks.
Also, my wife has a pottery show today. Get some early Christmas shopping in and also talk some hoops. All around win. Look for Jade's table or the fat white guy.
The them:
The Nets are still without Kyrie Irving who out with idiocy. Kevin Durant is still killing it, James Harden is going a bit slower but is still awesome. And many of the complimentary pieces have started to gel over a three game win-streak.
Joe Harris is finding his shot back, Bruce Brown is still doing Bruce Brown stuff by defending and cutting. Blake Griffin looks terrible. Patty Mills is a hot shooter and smart veteran. Lamarcus Aldridge and Paul Millsap are fine I guess. DeAndre Bembry and Jevon Carter bring energy.
This team is pretty much the Kevin Durant show right now, but thats still terrifying.
Matchups to watch:
Pistons vs not repeating: Detroit got killed just a few days ago by this same Nets group. If they have tired legs they will again and I will be sad.
Cade vs. Hitting shots: We saw all the tools on display from Cade last night. The last thing to fall into place is the long-ball. Lets see it.
Durant vs. Idk, not being awesome: The Pistons have no one to contend with Durant. If he's as on point as he has been, I see no path to victory.
Saddiq vs. Whatever is going on: Bey is down to just 27% from three and looks hesitant at times. There's different theories as to why (that's perhaps worth a post of its own) but he needs to snap out of it. Let it fly and hit shots man.
Killian Hayes vs. Good vibes: Hayes has more positivity around him now than he has since he was drafted. It'd be great to see him continue to build on it.
So in conclusion…
Run for the hills if:
Durant has 30 points at halftime
James Harden get right game
Saddiq Bey is passing up open 3s
Wink knowingly at your friends if:
Cade hits a couple 3s
The combines length of the Pistons backcourt is causing turnovers
KD punches Olynyk again
Opportunities for me to look stupid:
Cade hits 4 long-guns
Durant and Harden both score 40
The Pistons win. Somehow. Idk.
What do you think? Can the Pistons have energy? Will Cade find his shot?