Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns Preview
The Detroit Pistons, with a strong record of 34 wins and 11 losses, currently sit atop the Eastern Conference as they prepare to face off against the Phoenix Suns, who hold a 28-19 record and are positioned sixth in the Western Conference. The matchup is set for Thursday evening at 9 p.m. EST in Phoenix.
Team Performance
Detroit is looking to extend its impressive four-game winning streak on the road, while the Suns have proven to be tough to beat at home, boasting a record of 15 wins to just 6 losses. On the defensive end, Phoenix ranks third in the Western Conference, allowing 111.6 points per game while limiting opponents to a shooting accuracy of 46.8%. Similarly, the Pistons have been formidable defensively, ranking third in the league by allowing only 110.0 points and keeping shooters at a 44.3% success rate.
Offensively, Phoenix averages 114.0 points per game, which is 4 points more than the defensive average set by the Pistons. Conversely, Detroit scores 117.2 points per game, which is 5.6 points higher than the Suns’ defensive average.
Previous Encounter
This meeting will mark the second encounter between the two teams this season, with the Pistons edging out a close victory (108-105) in their first matchup on January 16. During that game, Duncan Robinson led Detroit’s scoring efforts with 19 points, while Grayson Allen was a standout for Phoenix, contributing 33 points.
Key Players
Highlighting some key players in this matchup, Detroit’s Cade Cunningham has emerged as a significant offensive force, averaging 25.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. Meanwhile, Dillon Brooks leads the Suns with an average of 20.5 points. Allen has also shown prowess as a sharpshooter, nailing 3.3 three-pointers per game over the past ten outings.
Recent Performance
Recent performance statistics suggest both teams are in solid form: the Suns go into this game with a 6-4 record over their last ten matches, averaging 110.9 points and shooting 44.6% from the field. In contrast, the Pistons are riding high with an 8-2 record during the same stretch, averaging 111.8 points and an impressive shooting percentage of 47.7%.
Player Availability
In terms of player availability, the Suns will be without key contributors Jalen Green (injury management), Devin Booker (ankle), and Isaiah Livers (illness), while Collin Gillespie is also sidelined with a hand injury. The Pistons will miss Caris LeVert due to illness as well.
Conclusion
This game promises to be an exciting contest as the Pistons aim to maintain their road winning streak against the well-defended Suns.
