Live Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets at Detroit Pistons, 7:00 PM EST

It’s pretty wild to be able to type something like “Kevin Durant will be out for the Nets on Tuesday night when they suit up against the Pistons” and then be able to type “however, they will have Kyrie Irving back in the lineup to start alongside James Harden.”

Ha.

The Pistons are pretty bad - just 5-18 on the season - and traded away Derrick Rose this week to the Knicks, as a sign that they’re ready to look ahead to next season. Still, you know: the trap game, and whatnot.

You can’t look past anyone in this league, but it would be nice if the Nets not only win but they show up big on defense. That’s something you’d like to see.

WHO: Brooklyn Nets (14-11) at Detroit Pistons (5-18)

WHEN: 7:00 PM EST

WHERE: YES (tv), WFAN (radio)

Game Preview.

Player to watch: Jerami Grant

It pays to bet on yourself. The common belief this fall when Grant left the Denver Nuggets and came to Detroit was that Grant would struggle as the leading man on a team and not as part of the ensemble Denver has built. Grant’s offense game hasn’t slipped even as he’s taken on more responsibilities than he has ever had in his pro career. He’s scoring well in a variety of areas, getting to the free throw line a good amount, has stepped up his playmaking, and is keeping the turnovers low. Combine all that along with good defense and you have a player that should earn serious discussion about being named an All Star. It takes time for narratives to shift, so the more he keeps playing like this, the more opponents will respect him and his skill.

No Durant means Joe Harris will be starting at small forward for the Nets for at least another night. Like Harden, Harris’ minutes were on the low side on Saturday. Harris has done his job well even as he’s taken on different roles throughout the year. As for the Grant assignment, Jeff Green will get some time guarding him as well. Green has been a capable starting four and small ball five for the Nets and will look to help against the 6’10 Grant.

For more on the Pistons, check out: Detroit Bad Boys.