The Portland Trail Blazers are pretty good, actually
It’s well known that the Detroit Pistons flipped its fortune this season after a loss to the Utah Jazz on Dec. 19. Since that time, they have been one of the hottest teams in the league. What might not be as well known is that since Jan. 19, the Blazers have turned their fortunes around. In that span, the Pistons have a 14-8 record while the Blazers’ record stands at 15-8. In the past month and a half, the Blazers and Pistons have the second and third best defenses in the NBA, respectively.
Game Vitals
When: 9 p.m. ET
Where: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons -2.5
Analysis
The Blazers have steadied their offense, but what is really powering their turnaround is their defensive improvement. The defense is led by versatile wing Toumani Camara, who was recently named defensive player of the month in the Western Conference. Camara is essentially Portland’s version of Ausar Thompson. A bouncy wing who guards the opponent’s best player on a nightly basis. He also has a much more reliable offensive game than Ausar. This season, Camara is averaging 10.7 points per game on 45% shooting and 36% from three.
The good news for the Pistons is that some of Portland’s defensive improvement can be tied to their opponents’ struggles from the 3-point line. Since Jan. 19, teams are shooting just 31% from three against the Blazers. That is a particularly noisy stat, so it could regress at any time. Here is hoping it is courtesy of the Pistons.
A win will also require the Pistons, and particularly Cade Cunningham, to take better care of the basketball. Presuming Camara gets the defensive assignment on Cade, he is deft at creating steals and transition opportunities. Cunningham has struggled with his handle a bit lately. Cunningham is going to need to lock in tonight, take care of the ball and set the tone.
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (35-29)
Cade Cunningham, Tim Hardaway Jr., Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
Portland Trail Blazers (28-36)
Anfernee Simons, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, Jerami Grant, Donovan Clingan
Question of the Game
What will the Pistons shoot from 3-point distance tonight?