Detroit looks to keep hot streak going against Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves
Whether you want to call it resilience, shooting themselves in the foot, survival, luck, or something else, the Detroit Pistons are finally finding ways to win games. Winners of five of their past six, the Pistons have benefited from some (bad) injury luck from their opponents. They have also, seemingly without rhyme or reason, learned how to surrender huge leads and make games closer than they need to be. In seasons past, they would not only surrender those leads but surrender them permanently and rack up plenty of losses. This season, though, they have to find ways to win.
Some nights it is all-around playmaking from Cade Cunningham. Other times, it is veteran shotmaking from Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway or Malik Beasley. Until recently, it was the emergence of Jaden Ivey as a worthy No. 2 option alongside Cade. Occasionally, it is a dominant defensive performance from some combination of Isaiah Stewart, Ausar Thompson, and Ron Holland.
The team is only two games below .500, and I think that would exceed most people’s expectations after the disastrous season a year ago. They might be punching a bit above their weight, but tonight the Minnesota Timberwolves present an excellent test of their mettle and their resilience. The Wolves themselves are not where they want to be — also hovering around .500 after winning 56 games a season ago. In years past, an angry team like the Wolves would take out their frustration on an undermanned team like the Pistons. This year, though, the Pistons are capable of capitalizing on a team’s weakness and adding to their misery.
Game Vitals
When: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons +7.5
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (16-18)
Cade Cunningham, Wendell Moore, Tim Hardaway, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
Minnesota Timberwolves (17-16)
Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert