Pistons vs. Nets preview: Detroit looks to bounce back against Brooklyn

Game Vitals:

Where: The Palace of Auburn Hills

When: Saturday, Jan. 10

Watch: Fox Sports Detroit PLUS

What's Up:

The Pistons lost for the first time in eight games on Friday night against the best team in the Eastern Conference. It was really ugly for a half, but Pistons fans had to love their resolve in the face of a rout against the red-hot Hawks. Down by 23 at one point in the game, the Pistons came all the way back to actually have a chance to force overtime at the final horn. They didn't, losing 106-103, but it was fun to see them compete with the best without their best player after such a lackluster first half. The loss did nothing to kill any optimism this fan has for the rest of the season.

Saturday night will be the team's first opportunity to respond to a loss since they waived Josh Smith on Dec. 22. They get a favorable matchup with the Brooklyn Nets, a team with the fourth longest losing streak (L4) in the NBA (and we should really stop paying attention to the Knicks and Timberwolves) and hasn't put up more than 88 points during that time. A win would put the Pistons not only at worst three games from the No. 8 seed in the playoffs, but also the No. 7 seed, which the Nets currently possess. They must hear footsteps and walls being formed.

The Nets will be without Deron Williams, who is out indefinitely with a fractured rib.

Head over to Nets Daily for their take on things.

Last time we met:

Josh Smith was on the team, so it doesn't count. Smith was waived the day after the loss to the Nets and the Pistons have been for the better ever since.

Community Question:

Jarrett Jack off the high glass?