Two 42-32 teams go at it, and the Pistons are once again likely to be missing their star
No Cade Cunningham, no Tobias Harris, no problem, huh? In all seriousness, hopefully, those two are just getting right for the playoff run the Detroit Pistons plan to go on.
Cade is doubtful again tonight in what would’ve been another fun number-one overall pick duel with Anthony Edwards. Tobias Harris is probable, and assuming he does suit up, he’ll see tons of action against a player who may take his spot eventually.
Game Vitals
When: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons +7
Analysis
The Pistons are huge dogs for the second game in a row with their All-Star sidelined. Tim Hardaway Jr. and the fellas had bookies steaming after they thrashed the one-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers Friday night. You can’t bank on a 32-piece seven 3s combo from Hardaway again, but someone needs an offensive explosion to keep pace with the burning Timberwolves.
Minnesota is 10-4 over their last 14, but have dropped three of its past five. They own the No. 5 offense and No. 3 defense in that 14-game span, per PivotFade. Julius Randle, dubbed a questionable fit, has shot less while distributing and defending more as of late. He’s been a woeful playoff performer due to shot selection and defenses forcing him into uncomfortable positions, which may be offset by playing with Ant Man this year.
While facing the Timberwolves is a tough task, particularly without Cade, on pure vibes, you can’t really top what Detroit is experiencing at the moment. Winning three in a row without their star? Finally toppling the Eastern-leading Cavaliers and bolstering JB Bickerstaff’s coach of the year candidacy? Tripling their win total from one season to the next? Detroit is riding high.
That is part of why it’s such a bummer Cade is still out. But it is an even bigger bummer in this one because I love seeing him matchup with stars—young stars, in particular because they’re the future of our game. Like Cade, Anthony Edwards has made huge improvements in his game. The playmaking “leap” hasn’t quite happened, but his decisions while being double-teamed have picked up. The biggest improvement in Edwards’ game comes from beyond the 3-point line.
I never would’ve imagined Edwards would shoot 39.5% on 10(!) attempts from deep. That’s insane. It’s Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Damian Lillard stuff. Funnily enough, Edwards said he watched Lillard shooting 3s last summer, and that was the flip he needed to become an elite outside shooter. He’s a special player. Edwards is right on Malik Beasley’s heel for the 3-point crown— 286 makes for threesley – 283 for Edwards. It’s going to be a close finish.
Ausar Thompson will cover Ant; he was all over the floor against Cleveland. That’s the type of player he’ll need to be in the playoffs. This thing doesn’t work without him. We know Thompson is a versatile defender. As he ages, who knows if he’s better suited as a three or four. What I do know is the Pistons should target Timberwolves backup four to add to their nucleus.
Naz Reid will be more expensive than the $13M earned this year, as he can opt out of his player option in the summer. He’s worth more. He can play the four or five and stretch defenders out with a sugary-sweet stroke and the handle to attack closeouts. Reid is an average defender, but paired with Thompson and the ability to play with Stew or Duren won’t allow him to get exposed.
Running it back with a healthy Jaden Ivey isn’t a bad idea. Cade, Duren, Thompson, and year two Ron Holland will all be better. Throwing the speedy poison Ivey back into that mix spices things up. I’m not opposed to running it back with their young two guard back healthy, but if you want to solidify your power forward spot long term, Naz Ried is a gettable option (it’ll cost ya, but the cap is going up again).
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (42-32)
Dennis Schröder, Tim Hardaway, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
Minnesota Timberwolves (42-32)
Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert
Question of the Day
Malik Beasley leads the league in 3s and is the 2nd option on the surprise Pistons.
Why is Payton Pritchard such a heavy 6MOY favorite? (-1050)