In the first matchup between these squads in Mexico City, the Pistons were still figuring it out, and the Mavericks were playing a game of Frankenstein.<\/p>\n
Jason Kidd was attempting to mix and match parts that don\u2019t fit, but things are steadying out for a Mavericks team a few games from play-in contention (the bottom half of the West is weak). The Pistons, on the other hand, continue to respond in games.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re a non-believer, there is usually a portion of a Pistons game that would make one say, \u201cSee, I told you they aren\u2019t for real.\u201d Non-believers and their sentiments about the Pistons mean nothing because Detroit continues to prove they are a resilient bunch, time and time again.<\/p>\n
Where: American Airlines Arena, Dallas, Texas<\/p>\n
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit<\/p>\n
Teams give it their best shot to go on runs and close out Detroit, but their never die attitude shines bright. The Boston Celtics trimmed the lead in the last outing, but the Pistons kept responding like a level-headed championship-level team in the closing period. Cade closed them out with a disgusting spin-around jumper. That was a moment.<\/p>\n
The Mavericks don\u2019t present the same issues the Celtics did. The Mavs are 24th in 3PT frequency and 28th in accuracy. The Celtics made 20 3s when they snapped the Pistons\u2019 winning streak. The Mavs haven\u2019t shown they have that firepower on a consistent basis.<\/p>\n
What they can do is play through their 2025 first overall pick, Cooper Flagg. The point guard experiment has come to an end \u2014 Flagg is on the wing where he belongs, and the results have been intriguing.<\/p>\n
Since a ballhandler began starting next to Flagg on November 5th, Flagg is averaging 20 points, six boards, four assists, 1.5 steals, and almost a block a game. The 3-point shooting hasn\u2019t been all that, but Flagg is shooting a monster 58% from 2-point range.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s safe to say he\u2019s arrived after becoming the youngest player to drop 40 bomb earlier this month. Brandon Williams and D\u2019Angelo Russell are questionable to go in this one. Even if they don\u2019t play, Ryan Nembhard has been plenty good as the lead ball handler.<\/p>\n
Flagg has helped the Mavericks go from worst team in the league to play-in hopeful territory (5-5 over last 10), but they\u2019re still the 28th-ranked offense. The Pistons stifle the best offenses, so the Mavs are in for an ugly one tonight.<\/p>\n
Jaden Ivey\u2019s on-ball defense was impressive against the Celtics. Ivey was sturdy and routinely stonewalled offensive players, stopping them dead in their tracks. Ivey\u2019s active hands caused him to get his fingertips on a few balls, too.<\/p>\n
If this is the Ivey we\u2019re going to get post-injury, I\u2019m all here for it \u2014 him turning into a legit on-ball pest is best for this team and his individual future.<\/p>\n
The Mavs don\u2019t have the creators or kick-out options to hunt suspect defenders like Boston did. That\u2019s not to downplay Klay Thompson, who\u2019s shot the ball much better over the last eight games (45% on 8.3 3PA). Max Christie has shot it well, too.<\/p>\n
2012 first overall pick Anthony Davis is questionable in this one. He missed the first matchup, and we missed out on a great gauge game for Jalen Duren. Duren has cooled down a bit after his offensive surge to begin the year, but AD presents another challenge if he suits up.<\/p>\n
There are three 1st overall picks in this game; there would be four if Kyrie Irving were active. With all the great talent and high draft picks on the floor, none compares to Cade this year. He\u2019s been clutch, less turnover-prone<\/a>, and is finally getting that star whistle.<\/p>\n