The only question left is will it be the Pacers or the Knicks
The Detroit Pistons will be in the postseason for the first time since 2019. They have an opportunity to win a playoff game for the first time since 2008. The job’s not done, though. JB Bickerstaff hasn’t lost sight of the bigger picture.
Detroit will likely be the 5th or 6th seed in the Eastern Conference. Meaning a date with the Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks is on the table. New York appears to be the better matchup for the Pistons, but Cade Cunningham has the game to be the best player on the floor against either team.
He’s missed the last six games with a calf contusion, but some optimism was provided last night with his questionable designation heading into the game versus the Toronto Raptors . Tonight, he’s been upgraded to probable. It looks like the team is ready to get him into playoff game shape and in top form.
With a playoff seed locked up, let’s get him healthy and ready to go, but on the flip side, you want to see him play a few more regular-season games to knock off some rust. He’s questionable again tonight against a Memphis Grizzles team with a ton to play for. They’re looking to get out of the Western Conference play-in, sitting at 45 wins. That conference is brutal.
(Editor’s Note: Keep an eye out on this game as I know that a special contingent of DBB faithful are going to this game together. I know there are some special off-camera things planned that will hopefully come through, but there is a chance there is also an on-camera shoutout, too. Whether it makes it on the air or not, it’s only possible because the community we have built here is truly special. Detroit Bad Boys is going on its 20th year as one of the the most vital fan communities on the internet, and believe me, it’s not because the Pistons have been good. It’s because everyone here supports not just the team but each other. The fan experience is special. It creates bonds and brotherhoods. It’s why I still do it. The Pistons are in the playoffs again, and in some ways, it feels like we’ve made it to the other side of a dark chapter. But the story of DBB never stops, and its community has always been a bright light. So thank you.)
Game Vitals
When: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons +1.5
Analysis
This will surely be an up-and-down game between two teams who thrive in the fast break. Detroit isn’t as dynamic without Cade in the fast break department, but they still use those spry legs. Memphis, on the other hand, is fully loaded and ready to go.
The Grizzlies are coming off a theatrical game that saw Ja Morant bury a game-winner over 7-foot Kel’el Ware and the Miami Heat. Morant hasn’t played up to his standards this year. He’s always been a heavy pick-and-roll threat, but the Grizzles rank dead last in PnR frequency this year.
Their offense was predicated on more passing and cutting, resulting in a more free-flowing offense under former coach Taylor Jenkins. Morant has picked it up since the coaching move to Tuomas Iisalo, putting up 29 points and shooting a surprising 40% from three on volume. Memphis is still losing his minutes in this small four-game sample. Jaren Jackson Jr., on the other hand, has been their best player all year, and he’s +19 in the last four.
Jackson Jr. will deal with the return of Isaiah Stweart tonight. That’s an elite two-way big vs. one of the best big defenders in the game. With Tobias Harris questionable, the Pistons don’t have a lot of size options to deal with the ginormous frontcourt of Jackson Jr. and rookie Zach Edey if he’s out.
Stew and Jalen Duren lineups aren’t common (eight minutes this year), but the Grizzles don’t feed the Goliath Edey in the post against mismatches as much as a 1990s NBA coach would like. The Pistons could force the Grizzles to downsize with the downhill driving of Dennis Schröder, Ausar Thompson, and Marcus Sasser.
Those guys aren’t foul-drawing machines, but Jackson Jr. will bail you out with constant pressure- as good as he is, Jackson Jr. is still one of the most foul-prone bigs (38th percentile in foul percentage).
Edey will deal with one of the strongest forces in Jalen Duren. Duren dominated the Raptors last night, and it was fun to see his playmaking for others perk up again. He’s one of the most intriguing aspects of Detroit’s upcoming playoff series. His play will determine a lot moving forward.
The shooting of Tim Hardway Jr. and Malik Beasley (two 3’s away from 300) can bend defenses in the playoffs. Hardaway Jr., in particular, has been sizzling over the last five. 51% from three is tough to maintain, but Detroit will need to bury as many as possible, considering the Knicks and Pacers game plan has been running teams off the 3-point line.
Projected Lineups:
Detroit Pistons
(43-34)
Cade Cunningham, Tim Hardaway, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
Memphis Grizzles (45-32)
Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaylen Wells, Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey
Question of the Day
With Detroit clinching a postseason spot, what’s your singular favorite Pistons playoff moment?