Preview and Prediction: San Antonio Spurs at Detroit Pistons
DeMar DeRozan leads the Spurs against the Pistons (Photo via Twitter)
In a battle of two struggling teams, the 7-13 San Antonio Spurs travel to Detroit to take on the 6-13 Pistons. The Pistons have lost eight of their last ten games. The Spurs, not to be outdone, have lost ten of their last 12 games. However, San Antonio is coming off their best win of the season, a 107-97 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The Spurs will be without the services of LaMarcus Aldridge, who stayed back in San Antonio with a thigh injury. Considering he didn’t look limited against the Clippers, the Spurs may simply be giving Aldridge some rest by allowing him to skip this one-game road trip.
Also out for the Spurs will be reserve big man Chimezie Metu. He’s dealing with a foot injury. With Aldridge and Metu out, expect Drew Eubanks to be active and possibly get some time at backup center.
Detroit Pistons Injury Update
Detroit’s starting point guard Reggie Jackson has missed all but two games this season for the Pistons. Last year, he played all 82 games but this year he was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his back and it looks like he will continue to be out for a while.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
The Spurs will surely start Derrick White, DeMar DeRozan and Bryn Forbes. With Aldridge out, Jakob Poeltl will likely start at center. Last game, Rudy Gay started at power forward but against Blake Griffin and the Pistons, that could change. If Gay doesn’t start, look for Trey Lyles to possibly get the nod.
Detroit Pistons Starting Lineup
As of late, the Pistons have been starting Bruce Bowen, Luke Kennard, Langston Galloway, Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond. Considering Detroit has lost two straight games — both to the Charlotte Hornets — they could change it up.
Spurs at Pistons – Key Matchup
With the Spurs short of big men, all eyes will be on Jakob Poeltl. He needs to stay out of foul trouble when going up against Andre Drummond. If Poeltl gets in foul trouble, that could thrust Eubanks into the fire — and he hasn’t played a meaningful minute this season for the Spurs so far.
Spurs at Pistons – Prediction
Oddsmakers have the Pistons winning this one by a final score of 110-106. While the Spurs have only beaten two terrible teams on the road (the Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks), I think they will build off their Clippers outing and win this game. And although they will miss Aldridge, the Spurs have actually outscored teams when he’s been on the bench this season.
San Antonio Spurs – 115
Detroit Pistons – 108