Pistons face a “must-win game” to avoid an actual must-win game
The Detroit Pistons might not feel desperate or play desperate, but they desperately need a win tonight at home in an afternoon Game 4 matchup against the New York Knicks . The choice is either to go back to New York with the series tied or to face an elimination game. One of those is far preferable to the other. The Pistons will again be forced to try and get the win without key reserve Isaiah Stewart, whose absence for 2.25 games has markedly impacted Detroit’s ability to defend the paint and put several dangerous Knicks players in check. The Knicks could also be facing a game without their own backup defensive-minded center in Mitchell Robinson. Head Coach Tom Thibodeau called him a game-time decision.
While the Pistons are missing some key players, they are the ones that are available that truly haven’t shown up, and Detroit needs them. Tobias Harris was completely stymied by foul trouble in the Game 3 loss, Malik Beasley’s shot has mostly abandoned him all series, and Ausar Thompson hasn’t figured out how to be an impactful defender without fouling on the big stage of the playoffs. If the Pistons get performances from two of those three guys, a win is very much in the cards. That is all predicated, of course, on star Cade Cunningham delivering as the lead this Pistons team needs. He needs to shoot better, take care of the ball better, and dictate the way this game is played.
Game Vitals
When: 1 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: ABC
Odds: Pistons -2
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (1-2)
Cade Cunningham, Tim Hardaway Jr., Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
New York Knicks (2-1)
Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns