Who's Playing
Matchup: Detroit Pistons vs Los Angeles Lakers
Records: Pistons (17-21), Lakers (22-19)
Where to Watch
Date: Thursday, Jan. 10
Time: 9:00 AM IST
TV: Sony Ten1
Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Game Preview
Through 20 games, everything was looking bright and sunny in Detroit. The Pistons, under their new head coach Dwane Casey, had started the season positively with a 13-7 record.
Unfortunately, everything has gone downhill since. Post Dec. 3, the team has gone 4-14 (including a six-game losing streak), slumping to their current record of 17-21, good for 9th in the Eastern Conference.
Their 13th-best offense during the 13-7 start slumped to 27th since Dec. 3.Their defense plummeted from ranked 8th to 19th.
A couple of prominent issues for the team have been shooting and turnovers. The Pistons are ranked 29th in the league in both field-goal percentage (43.5%) and 3-point shooting (32.9%). The team averages 15.2 turnovers per game, ranked 23rd in the league.
Can they turn this around before it's too late?
If the Pistons are looking for a win, this might be their chance. With no LeBron James in the squad, the Lakers have lost five in seven and the King isn't expected to suit up for this one.
Up until after Christmas Day, it was clear that the Lakers, fresh off beating the defending champs on Christmas Day, had outperformed expectations with their 20-14 record.
However, a groin strain to the 4-time league MVP LeBron James dented all the optimism. There's no clear return date announced yet but it's safe to say the Lakers are going to have work hard once again to keep themselves in the Playoff hunt (currently 8th).
Game Notes
- The visiting Detroit Pistons are a 6-11 in their 17 previous road games.
- The Lakers will be playing their 22nd game at home, having won 13 of the previous 21.
- The Pistons have four players that could be game-time decisions for this contest - Zaza Pachulia (Lower Leg), Zach Lofton (Wrist), Ish Smith (Groin), Henry Ellenson (Ankle).
- Meanwhile, the Lakers will surely by missing two players for this game - LeBron James (Groin) and Rajon Rondo (Hand).
Last Time They Played
Date: Mar. 27, 2018
Score: Lakers 106-112 Pistons
Pistons: Andre Drummond - 15 points, 18 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Lakers: Lonzo Ball - 15 points, 11 assists, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals on 87.5% shooting