High-scoring Zach LaVine leads the Bulls into Detroit
Is this what being mediocre feels like?
The Detroit Pistons are set to host the Chicago Bulls tonight in a game that feels like, maybe just maybe, the fans at LCA should expect to be a win for the home team. However, this is the Pistons and they do have a tendency to, well, stink.
So, we’ll see if they can continue their trek toward .500.
Game Vitals
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
When: Monday, November 18 at 7 pm EST
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons (-4.5)
Analysis
Detroit is nearly a five-point favorite as it welcomes the rebuilding-but-not Bulls tonight.
As our resident gambling aficionado, I cannot remember the last time the Pistons were favored like this. That’s a sign of their play being recognized nationally as they’ve won 6 of 10 and are doing so in a variety of ways – but mostly, with defense.
Detroit boasts a top 10 defense and has choked teams out in recent games. It’s incredible that the Pistons have held two teams under 105 (one under 100) after giving up 120+ in back-to-back games. They’re making this work defensively, and credit goes to the coaching staff for figuring out how to make these pieces work.
They’ll need it tonight with Zach Levine. The Bulls guard, who the team desperately wants to trade but cannot due to his bloated contract, is a certified bucket and falls directly into the category of “Pistons Killer.”
Over his last six games against Detroit, LaVine has scored 51, 43, 41 and 34 points. The Pistons actually beat Chicago in the game where he scored 51 early last season before putting together the hellish losing streak we’ve all tried so hard to forget.
I think tonight’s a big night for the wings. I’d love to have Ausar Thompson back, but he’s still not ready to go. Ron Holland will have a chance to frustrate LaVine as will Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
The Bulls have given up 144 and 143 points in their past two games, so I think this will be a real chance for Detroit to build on the effort in D.C. vs the Wizards. Chicago can score, though, so if this is a shootout I don’t love the Pistons’ chances.
But if you told me they won the game 125-110 tonight, I wouldn’t be surprised.
And, no, I’m not day drinking right now. I know what you’re thinking after that sentence.
Lineups
Detroit Pistons (7-8): Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Malik Beasley, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
Chicago Bulls (5-9): Coby White, Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, Josh Giddey, Nikola Vucevic
Question of the Day
The Bulls are one of the highest-scoring teams in the NBA. The Pistons are one of the best defenses. Which side do you lean toward as the difference maker tonight?