Pistons vs. Warriors preview: Detroit looks for second straight win in San Francisco

The Detroit Pistons have a rare opportunity to finally win consecutive basketball games for the first time this season. If they’re going to accomplish that feat, they’ll have to take down the depleted yet dangerous Golden State Warriors who boast an impressive 7-4 home court record. Detroit, on the other hand, has only one won game away from the Motor City, that game took place back on January 16th against the heavily undermanned Miami Heat.

The Pistons should have been flying high en route to San Francisco, as they’re coming off one of their best games of the season on Thursday night. A game in which they defeated the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers by fifteen points.

Blake Griffin had his best performance of the year that night, as he had 23 points and 6 assists, and shot 5/10 from three point territory. If they’re going to take down the Warriors, they may not need Griffin to lead the team in scoring yet again, but they probably won’t walk away with a win unless he’s able to score in an efficient manner and continue to get his teammates involved, like he did this past Thursday.

Game Vitals

When: Saturday, January 30, 10:00 p.m. EST
Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Watch: Fox Sports Detroit, NBA League Pass

Marquee Matchup

Isaiah Stewart vs. James Wiseman

This match-up may not be as star-studded as Draymond Green and Blake Griffin, but that doesn’t mean it lacks the capacity to produce some sensational on-court fireworks.

Apparently Stewart and Wiseman have a not-so-friendly relationship dating back to their high school days. Both Wiseman and Stewart were sensational high school players, who regularly matched up against each other throughout their prep careers. This history was detailed by ESPN Draft Analyst, Mike Schmitz on Zach Lowe’s podcast “The Lowe Post” from January 21st.

Mike Schmitz on James Wiseman and Isaiah Stewart

“...even at USA Basketball camps, there was a level of toughness that wasn’t always there, frankly. If Isaiah Stewart, frankly kicked his (Wiseman’s) ass one day, then the next day he was in sweats.... that battle goes deep. Those two, James Wiseman and Isaiah Stewart had their moments... at the AAU level, USA Basketball, McDonald’s All-American - they go at it. So that’s something to keep an eye on as we get deeper into their NBA careers.

Zach Lowe goes onto say “That’s a nice contrast in styles. Wiseman is ultra-athletic, and ultra-skilled and Isaiah Stewart is ok-athletic and ok-skilled, but wants to kill you and will fight five people to get a loose ball and wants to rebound everything. I like Isaiah Stewart already, he’s just running into people, getting rebounds, being mean.”

Lowe knows what’s up. There’s nothing NOT to like about Stewart, other than his defensive rebounding numbers, but that’ll figure itself out in due time.

And since Steve Kerr has relegated Wiseman to the bench, these two should share the floor for an extended period of time. Get your popcorn ready!

Projected Lineups

Detroit Pistons (5-14)

Delon Wright, Wayne Ellington, Jerami Grant, Blake Griffin, Mason Plumlee

Golden State Warriors (10-9)

Steph Curry, Kelly Oubre Jr., Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Kevon Looney

Odds

Golden State -5.5 (via Odds Shark)