Game Recaps

Nets visit the new-look Pistons

By Brian Fleurantin Feb 7, 2018, 8:36am EST

Portland Trail Blazers v Detroit Pistons

Hard to overcome the odds when you're facing two future Hall of Famers. The Brooklyn Nets put up a good fight against the Houston Rockets last night, but couldn't go over the top and lost by 10 points at home.

The opponent tonight will be the Detroit Pistons. A few weeks ago, they appeared to be a team sinking and in need of major changes. Since then, they've gotten back on track and have a decent shot of sneaking into the playoffs. Their win against the Portland Trailblazers on Monday night pushed their winning streak to four. We'll get to the major change they made in a bit.

Where to follow the game

YES Network on TV. WFAN 101.9 FM on radio. Tip off after 7.

Injuries

Rondae Hollis Jefferson is still out with a groin injury. Caris Levert had to leave last night's game after running into a screen by Nene, and I'm almost certain he'll be out of tonight's game. He was being tested for a concussion post-game. No word on Quincy Acy 's status for this one.

Reggie Jackson is still out. Andre Drummond sprained his ankle on Monday, but should be good to go tonight. Willie Reed, the ex-Net, has been suspended six games without pay for a domestic violence incident involving his wife, the NBA announced Tuesday.

The game

Detroit won the first game while Brooklyn won the last one.

We're one day away from the trading deadline. With teams either looking to fortify their playoff positioning or secure assets for the future, Thursday figures to be a busy one around the Association. It's unlikely the Pistons make another deal. Who knows about the Nets?

Spencer Dinwiddie will get another chance to give his former team hell. When he last played the Pistons, he hit a game winner in the final seconds to give Brooklyn the win. Dinwiddie started to break out of his 3-point slump last night as he went 5-of-7 from deep. When he's guarding Ish Smith, he doesn't have to worry about getting burned from downtown. Smith is only a 28.5 percent shooter from 3-point range in his career and is shooting 23.7 percent from deep this season.

Jarrett Allen will have a tough matchup on his hands. Drummond has the potential to be one of the best centers in the league, but he hasn't quite been able to put it all together yet. That said, he's already a two time All Star so he's living alright.

Player to watch: Blake Griffin

It's gonna take a while to get used to this. Griffin was acquired from the LA Clippers on January 29 in exchange for Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, and a future first round draft pick. Since the trade, Detroit has gone undefeated with Griffin on the roster. The shooting numbers aren't there yet, but he's getting more rebounds than usual and is averaging six assists a night since the move. The injuries and general sourness associated with the Clippers has caused Griffin's stock to plummet over the years. However, he's still one of the game's elite big men when healthy and a playoff appearance will get him back in everyone's good graces.

Brooklyn is a bit thin up front, so DeMarre Carroll will figure to get this assignment. Carroll has taken on a variety of roles during his time as a Net and has filled in admirably in each one.

From the Vault

Yesterday was a very monumental day in rap history. It's monumental because it was the 15th anniversary of Get Rich or Die Tryin'. It's impossible to explain now all this time later, but you had to be there to fully appreciate the impact 50 Cent had when he blew up.

Nets visit the new-look Pistons

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