The Detroit Pistons have just booked a seat in the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2009. But before they officially enter into postseason mode, they will have to face the Cleveland Cavaliers for both teams’ last games of the season. This matchup could also serve as a preview of a first round playoff series in the Eastern Conference. Read on for more about this matchup. You can also check out our preview of San Antonio vs. Dallas.
Detroit has been a thorn in the side of the Cavs this season. Reggie Jackson and the Pistons will try to add more to their confidence against their potential first round matchup later tonight when they make a trip to Quicken Loans Arena.
The Pistons could be considered as happy campers when in Cleveland, as they’ve gone 6-2 SU and ATS in their past eight games there dating back to 2012. That stretch includes the Pistons’ 96-88 win in Cleveland on February 22. Reggie Jackson emerged as the best player in that game, pacing the Pistons with 23 points on 9-for-17 shooting, while Andre Drummond provided much of the dirty work inside, scoring 16 points and hauling down 16 boards.
Jackson, however, is uncertain to play because of an abdominal strain. Jackson could be a game-time decision so bettors may want to check for updates on his status before making a decision. In any case, Detroit’s dominant rebounding will have to show up for the Pistons to slow down the Cavs. Led by Drummond, the Pistons were able to massively outrebound Cleveland in the February matchup, 53-43.
Detroit is second in the league in rebounding with 46.3 boards per contest.
In case you forgot, LeBron James is still The King. Amidst the hoopla surrounding Kobe Bryant’s final games and the Golden State Warriors’ chase for 73 wins is James’ explosive form of late.
James has been tearing up the stat sheet over his last 10 games, wherein he’s put up MVP-like numbers of 28.1 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.9 rebounds, while shooting a borderline insane 65.2 percent from the field. James managed just 12 points on a salty 5-for-18 shooting in the February loss to Detroit but him turning on the afterburners lately points to a smashing performance tonight. James scored 34 points on 13-for-16 from the floor in a 109-94 home win versus Atlanta on Monday.
James aside, the Cavs are also counting on Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love for more support. They had 28 and 29 points, respectively, in Cleveland’s 114-106 win in Detroit on January 29—the Cavs’ lone win thus far this season against the Pistons.
