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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons: Game preview, start time, television information

A winning streak, perhaps?

By Carter Rodriguez
Detroit Pistons v Cleveland Cavaliers Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

The Cavaliers have won two in a row and are looking for a winning streak in the form of a second consecutive win against the Pistons.

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (29-19) vs. Detroit Pistons (22-26)

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Little Ceasars Arena - Detroit, Michigan

Where on my eyeballs? TNT, Watch TNT

Cavaliers injuries: None to report

Pistons injuries: Blake Griffin (OUT - trade), Reggie Jackson (OUT - ankle), Jon Leuer (OUT - ankle)

Three keys to the game:

  • The Pistons suddenly look very different than they did when these teams played on Sunday night. Avery Bradley and Tobias Harris have been shipped to L.A. in exchange for Blake Griffin. None of the new additions are expected to play tonight, which means that Detroit will be playing with a skeleton crew, something that the Cavaliers tend to struggle with to an absolutely unacceptable degree. We’ll see if they show up against a depleted Pistons squad.
  • The Cavaliers bench has found some rhythm in the past couple games with Channing Frye back in the lineup, but with Dwyane Wade returning on Tuesday, Tyronn Lue will face the same problems with a Derrick Rose-Dwyane Wade backcourt in terms of spacing. We’ll see how much Channing rye helps Kyle Korver on that front.
  • The Isaiah Thomas experience continues to be adventure. With reports indicating that he’s embedded himself with Dan Gilbert, it appears that he’s here to stay. Lue seems to be willing to stagger LeBron and Isaiah’s minutes, but it’s probably worth finding a way to allow the two stars to play together in concert with one another.

Key Matchup

With less threats on the court, Tristan Thompson should be able to handle Andre Drummond both in the post and in the pick and roll. It’s hard to imagine Detroit winning without a strong performance from Drummond.

Fear the Sword’s Fearless Prediction

The Cavaliers could use a win as rumors about negative team culture and chemistry continue to swirl around the team. They find one - Cavs 109, Pistons 98.

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