30 Games to Go

[tmorgan]

So, quite the rollercoaster season so far. 14-6 to 22-26 to 26-26 with Blake on board.

I just looked at the schedule, made a wild ass prediction based on a quick look at each game, and it actually looks pretty promising. Given that we aren't tanking and some teams are, and that the schedule is pretty weak in general, I predict a 21-9 finish and 47 wins overall. Perhaps the 5th seed, and a matchup with the Bucks or Wizards or (if they get it together) Cavs.

The only potential stumbling block I see is the eventual re-integration of Reggie Jackson. We need him healthy to play our best ball in the playoffs, but if he's struggling early and SVG is still starting him and giving him 30 minutes, it could screw things up badly. It's happened before, sadly.

Does that sound reasonable to anyone else?

[DETermination]

We going on a 34 game winning streak to end the season

[ImHeisenberg]

We're still trying to figure out what this team is with Blake, and whether or not there will be another deal on Thursday as well.

whatever that website that forecasts strength of schedule said we have the second easiest schedule for the remainder of the season, behind Philly (currently tied for 8th with us). Then again, they said we had one of the most difficult schedules to start the season, based off false assumptions. So, I don't really believe their word is worth anything.

I'm loving the Blake show right now. We all are. But, I'm not blind that the schedule over this small period has greatly favored Detroit. Catching teams on the second night of back to backs, and barely beating a tanking Grizzlies team without Evans or Conley. We got the Blazers at the end of rough road trip, and you could see it in CJ and Dame's lack of energy.

That said, we don't play a ton of world beaters the rest of the way out. And, the only two seeds that are significantly out of reach are the top 2. Cleveland sits at 3, with a whopping 30 wins. Not much of a lead on us, especially as they keep losing.

Is 5 impossible? Not at all, but we're going to need way more efficient production from Stanley Johnson, and continued above average play from Bullock, Ish and the bench. In addition to Dre and Blake tearing it up every night. Basically, everything has to go right for us down the stretch.

[tmorgan]

Any other deal almost has to be minor, as we're out of assets unless SJ or Kennard is gone for immediate help, which I think we'd regret.

[zeebneeb]

So, quite the rollercoaster season so far. 14-6 to 22-26 to 26-26 with Blake on board.

I just looked at the schedule, made a wild ass prediction based on a quick look at each game, and it actually looks pretty promising. Given that we aren't tanking and some teams are, and that the schedule is pretty weak in general, I predict a 21-9 finish and 47 wins overall. Perhaps the 5th seed, and a matchup with the Bucks or Wizards or (if they get it together) Cavs.

The only potential stumbling block I see is the eventual re-integration of Reggie Jackson. We need him healthy to play our best ball in the playoffs, but if he's struggling early and SVG is still starting him and giving him 30 minutes, it could screw things up badly. It's happened before, sadly.

Does that sound reasonable to anyone else?

With as good as the Pistons look right now, I am struggling to make an accurate prediction.

The Reggie reintegration like you, is my biggest concern as it was BRUTAL last time. I'm just hoping for 4 games over .500 your prediction seems hopeful but then again I thought they would struggle somewhat after landing Blake and they have been better then expected.

I have zero idea how the rest of the season will play out but if the past 3 games are any indication, it could be amazing. Teams just have no answer for Blake/Andre but then again, which team does? New Orleans?

[7r5ur]

We going on a 34 game winning streak to end the season

You mean 50 game winning streak (including the playoffs)

[tmorgan]

Certainly not New Orleans. I don't see Davis and Mirotic as an answer for Blake and Dre. We'll struggle to guard them outside, sure, but Mirotic can't guard either of our guys. Boogie is done for the year.

[DCintheD]

the re-integration of Reggie is what scares me too. Hopefully they don't rush him and he only comes back once he's fully healthy.

[7r5ur]

the re-integration of Reggie is what scares me too. Hopefully they don't rush him and he only comes back once he's fully healthy.

Exactly, and bring him in off the bench unless the team is really stumbling.

IMO you wait to bring him back until after a loss. Don't want any of this "well... we were winning and then Reggie came back and ruined everything" contention again that was rumored last year.

[thesack12]

Don't really have to force Reggie back into a core role. Blake's creating and playmaking ability in addition to Ish's ability to be serviceable with the 1's and excel with the 2's affords Stan the luxury to blend Reggie back.

When he's healthy enough to return, I'm thinking Reggie will step right in as the starter because Ish is so much better off the bench. However I can envision Reggie only logging 18-22 minutes a game for the first couple weeks until he gets his legs back and gains a better feel for the new offensive scheme and builds chemistry.