NBA Preview - Memphis at Detroit

The Memphis Grizzlies (16-17) visit the Palace tonight to take on the Detroit Pistons (17-13). Memphis enters the game on a four game winning streak, the Pistons with a two game winning streak.

The last time these two teams met, the Pistons were struggling to find their game. They played good defense, but failed to produce the points needed to win the game, including only four from the entire bench. As a result, they lost 68-72.

This game should be much different. Ronald Dupree is getting more opportunities, and playing betters, and Antonio McDyess is back playing.

I wouldn’t expect a much different game from the last. The scoring will be higher, but the results could be the same. Memphis’ starting five matches up well with the Pistons’ starting five. Each team has three rebounding threats, and both play tough defense. The difference could be in the bench.

Look for a good game from Rip, and a battle under the boards between Lorenzen Wright and Ben Wallace.

Keys to the game:

1. Contain Pau Gasol.
2. Defend the perimeter and don’t let Miller and Battier rain threes.
3. Dupree and McDyess need to produce.

If the Pistons continue their success from the starting rotation, and add points from the bench, we should see a comfortable win.