Cleveland Cavaliers at Detroit Pistons mini preview and gamethread

The phrase ‘bigger than basketball’ is cliche. But tonight feels like a team that will certainly matter more than whomever wins and loses.

For both the Cavs and the Pistons, this is the first game either team has played since Kobe Bryant’s death on Sunday. Considering what Kobe meant — and means — to the league and so many of the players in it, this figures to be an emotional game.

For the Cavs, it’s also something of an important game. The team has lost seven in a row and really could use a win to settle the proverbial boat in some choppy water. It also might — maybe, hopefully — get Kevin Porter Jr. back from injury a bit earlier than they (publically) expected to. Even if KPJ is on a minutes restriction or looks rusty, it’ll be good to have him back.

But, again, remember that life is bigger than basketball. It’s a cliche because it’s true.