Bigs need to play big for the Pistons to have a shot against the Cavs
The Detroit Pistons need a big game from starting center Jalen Duren and his primary reserve Isaiah Stewart if the team hopes to steal a win from the Cleveland Cavaliers . Duren has been on a hot streak lately, with more activity level defensively (though still a long way to go), some elite rim gravity, and rebounding to boot. Stewart has been a stalwart defender all year, but he can have his struggles when matched up with such superior size that it negates his long arms and solid defensive instincts.
Perhaps we also need to add Tobias Harris to that list. In Detroit’s 110-91 loss to Cleveland on Jan. 27, Harris was held to just two points, two rebounds, and the team was outscored by 20 points with him on the floor in 27 minutes of action. Harris has had a few quiet games since Jaden Ivey was lost to injury, but he has mostly stepped up and delivered solid, efficient scoring and solid rebounding. That is exactly what the Pistons need from him tonight.
Game Vitals
When: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons +6
Projected Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers (40-10)
Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Detroit Pistons (25-25)
Cade Cunningham, Tim Hardaway Jr, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren