Coverage at 7:00 pm ET
Toronto: 1-2 (1-1 home)
Margin:-2.3
Pistons: 2-2 (1-1 road)
Margin: +2.0
Oppo research
The Euro-Raptors have begun the season in curious fashion. Chris Bosh is sporting a 31-15 average, and Andrea Bargnani has picked up where he left off last season, averaging 22 ppg. And yet, poor defense and a lack of rebounding have dropped the team to 1-2.
That's what happens when you sign a perimeter power forward to compliment your other perimeter power forwards. Meanwhile, certifiable solutions Rasho Nesterovic and Amir Johnson largely ride the pine. Even more curious, Jose Calderon has already exceed his missed free throw total from last year.
Alas, without Rip and Tay, the Pistons are going to have to hope for yet another high-flying effort from the bench.
The Drama:
Amir is free at last!
Keys for Detroit
Crash the boards: I have the feeling I can just cut and paste this one for the remainder of the season. In this case, the Pistons really have no excuse.
Get Bargnani in foul trouble: He is averaging 5 fouls per game this year, and there is an easy opportunity to cut into his minutes, leaving Bosh as the only strong offensive option.
Keep it physical: Toronto clearly doesn't like that.
Question of the Game
Seriously? Prince has a lower back strain? And this will be evaluated upon return from a road trip? I think it's weird.