Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers Game Preview
Tonight's Eastern conference action features a battle between last year's 13th and 14th Eastern Conference seeds. Both teams are far from perfect and will look to prove themselves in what seems to be a fair matchup of young bucks. The Pistons are 1-1, and the Pacers are yet to find the win column, sitting at 0-2. It is also important to note that in both losses and 96 minutes of basketball, the Pacers have not possessed a lead - which may have unfortunate implications if the Pistons were to drop one to this squad. However, with injuries to certain veterans on both ends, this matchup will allow first, second, and third-year players to take the wheel and presents itself as a fair game without favored spreads. Coming off losses, both teams can use this opportunity to bounce back and create momentum and confidence moving forward into the season.
How To Watch:
When: 7:00 PM EST
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
TV: Bally Sports Detroit, NBA TV
Bennedict Mathurin Vs. Jaden Ivey
This is the first of many duels between these like-minded rookie guards. The first two guards to come off the draft board will duke it out to prove their dominance over the other. Ivey will look to assure that he was the correct choice at #5, while Mathurin will assert his case to have been picked in Ivey's place. Two games in, Mathurin sits at 2nd in scoring at 22.5 PPG, while Ivey sits right under at 3rd (18.0 PPG). Though Ivey makes up with his creative playmaking and assists totals, fans will hope that Ivey finds the ball in his hands a bit more tonight of all nights.
Ivey has brought dynamic energy to his Pistons squad on both ends of the floor and seems to have become comfortable in his role. Meanwhile, Mathurin dazzled in his rookie debut and continues to do so by putting up incredible numbers on a lackluster Pacers team. Regardless, both guards are unbelievable scoring talents, and tonight's game will be a memorable moment as they will likely be compared to one another for the rest of their young careers.
Cade’s Passiveness
Cade has some fans scratching their heads. He finished his rookie campaign putting up incredible numbers and asserting himself as his team's #1 scoring option. However, with numerous changes over the course of the offseason, Cunningham has now subdued to a game-manager role in which he flips a switch between a pass-first point and a shot-creating, three-level scorer. Though it may be frustrating to watch him start games shooting poorly, he always has the ability to rise to the occasion down the stretch. Look for Cade to have a bounce-back game and get settled and comfortable in his new offense.
