clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Nets host Pistons

By Brian Fleurantin
NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at Detroit Pistons Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Not that. The Brooklyn Nets played a matinee on Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks and lost 111-104. Three weeks to go, y’all.

The opponent tonight will be the Detroit Pistons. They haven’t had the season they wanted, but they’re still in competition for the eighth seed. They played the Phoenix Suns on Sunday and won by 17 points. This is the first night of a back-to-back and four game road trip. They’re in Chicago tomorrow night.

Where to follow the game

YES Network on TV. WCBS 880 AM on radio. Tip off after 7:30.

Injuries

Jeremy Lin is doubtful due to a sprained ankle. Joe Harris and Sean Kilpatrick are out.

Nothing major for the D.

The game

The Nets won the first game back in November.

Around the trade deadline, there was one rumored trade that would’ve shaken up the Eastern Conference. Detroit called Sacramento and offered Andre Drummond in exchange for DeMarcus Cousins, but the Kings turned it down. Since the break, Drummond has stepped his game since the All Star Break, averaging 14 points and 14 rebounds on 58.3 percent shooting. He still can’t shoot free throws, but that’s to be expected at this point. Brook Lopez will look to dominate on the inside. Brook has given Drummond trouble over the years and the Nets will look to pound it inside early.

Rondae Hollis Jefferson will be assigned to Tobias Harris this evening. Harris is one of the finer young forwards in the league and can play both SF and PF adequately. RHJ has become the full time power forward for the Nets and he’ll be there for the foreseeable future.

Player to watch: Reggie Jackson

How do we explain what’s happened to Jackson this season? He was sidelined with injuries to begin the season and has been a mess when he’s been on the court. He’s driving to the basket less than he did last season and when he does get to the rim, he’s only made 50 percent of his shots inside of three feet. His jumper has never been particularly outstanding, and if he can’t convert on his drives, it becomes difficult for him to orchestrate the Pistons offense.

Isaiah Whitehead will handle the majority of point guard duties tonight. He’s gotten used to starting this season and has done well in a pinch. His turnover rate is still higher than you’d like from your PG, but it’s been lower this month (only 15.5 percent of the time). There’s still a lot to evaluate for Whitehead and how he fits into future plans, and if he continues to take good care of the ball, he’ll carve out a nice role for himself.

From the Vault

On Sunday afternoon, Kansas beat Michigan State in the Round of 32. When Marcus Morris was at Kansas, his team played the Spartans in the Elite Eight. Unfortunately for him (and former Net Tyshawn Taylor), the result didn’t go his way.

More reading: Detroit Bad Boys

More From NetsDaily