Pistons vs. Rockets preview: Detroit returns home needing fuel

Excuse me, I'm looking for some Kool-Aid. I need my fix. The Pistons just lost to a 3-win (now 4) Brooklyn Nets team on Sunday. Can they fare any better against the Houston Rockets who are on a small two-game winning streak?

Game Vitals

Where: The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, MI

When: Monday, November 30th, 2015 at 7:30 PM EST

Watch: Fox Sports Detroit

Game Analysis

The Pistons are just 3-8 since that nice 5-1 start. If it wasn't for the Milwaukee Bucks, they would be at the bottom of the Central Division. They get a chance to right the ship Monday night against an under-performing Rockets team.

After starting the season 4-7, the Rockets fired Kevin McHale. Enter J.B. Bickerstaff as the interim coach. Well, they are 3-3 since that time and seem to be playing at a higher level. Struggling to score 100 points under McHale is inexcusable for the team that lives and dies by the three pointer. But since Bickerstaff took over, they have scored 100 points in four of their six games. This team may be clicking now.

Will the 5-1 Hawks killing, Bulls wrangling Pistons show up, or the 3-8 Pistons over the last 10 games?

Players to Watch

Pistons: Reggie Jackson

Jackson has been horrible. He's been better at passing, but he has been horrible overall. Is he going to try and out-score James Harden? While Jackson can explode as he did for Portland, I think it would be best for him to look to get his other teammates involved.

Rockets: James Harden

Since Mchale was fired, Harden has scored 40+ points three times in six games. He is the second leading scorer in the league. Caldwell-Pope has done well to contain some potent scorers, he'll have another good test tonight.

Last Time We Met

March 6th, 2015 - Pistons 93, Rockets 103

With Dwight Howard out, Andre Drummond went ham on the boards pulling in 21. However, he only went 4-for-16 from the field. Coming into his own, Reggie Jackson had a nice 17 point, seven assist game. However, they were no match for James Harden who went off for 38 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists. He was able to get to the line 18(!) times.

Prediction

Pistons 92, Rockets 85

Lineup Prediction

Pistons: Jackson, Caldwell-Pope, Morris, Ilyasova, Drummond

Rockets: Patrick Beverley, Harden, Trevor Ariza, Clint Capela, Dwight Howard

Injuries/Out

Pistons: Jodie Meeks

Rockets: N/A

Community Question

Will the Pistons get back to .500?