#78 - Pistons-Grizzlies - 7pm ET

[MortSahlfan]

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[MortSahlfan]

“It’s a big deal,” first-year Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “We typically don’t take time to reflect on where we are, but this is an opportunity for this group to reflect on where it is, where it’s come from and what it’s been able to accomplish together. To turn it around the way they have and put themselves in this position to play in the postseason, it’s a big deal.”
– via ESPN

[bstein14]

We are in a position where HCA is nearly impossible for us so we're pretty much locked into a #5 or #6 seed and we'll play either New York or Indy. There's really nothing riding for us we can't realistically secure HCA (we'd have to go like 5-0 our last 5 with Indy going 1-4 we know that isn't going to happen).

Memphis has a ton riding on this game as they are essentially in a 3 way tie for 6th/7th/8th and they are even just 2 games back of the #3 seeded Lakers so its crazy how close 3-8 are still in the West. HCA and playoff or play-in is all on the line for Memphis.

That said, Memphis is just still 3-7 in their last 10 and their recent coaching shake is still TBD as to how it affects them.


Cade and Tobias are still both looking like they are day-to-day questionable with their injuries.

[MotownMadness]

Might as well just rest Cade and Tobias til the last couple games or something at this point. Would be pretty devastating to see a major injury before the playoffs.

[zeebneeb]

Might as well just rest Cade and Tobias til the last couple games or something at this point. Would be pretty devastating to see a major injury before the playoffs.

True, but I am legitimately concerned about chemistry, and game shape.

We've all seen star players rest before the playoffs, and come out rusty, and discombobulated from the team. I loathe star players resting, and won't change my stance now that the Pistons actually have a star player(!) Team flow is a real thing, and making sure that is intact, is paramount.

I am not entirely sold on Cade still having a legitimate injury. Also, we all know Cade starts out seasons slow as hell, amd ramps back into playing how he can. I really, really don't want that to be the case in the playoffs. Just my opinion.

[zeebneeb]

Also, im reading that besides the first team to have tripled their win total season-to-season (82 games) they are the first team in NBA history to make the playoffs, after having been the worst team the season prior.

Confirming that is a slog, so ill just believe it.

"The 2024-25 Detroit Pistons have made history, as they are officially the team to have the worst record in the season prior to reach the playoffs the following year. Detroit has gone from winning 14 games in 2023-24 to qualifying for the postseason in this campaign, something no other team has ever done. And the Pistons are doing it in style, boasting a plus-.500 record thus far this season, something that a lot of the teams in our ranking below cannot likewise claim, even despite reaching the playoffs."

https://hoopshype.com/lists/detroit-pistons-historic-turnaround-worst-nba-teams-to-make-playoffs-next-season-year/

[MotownMadness]

Also, im reading that besides the first team to have tripled their win total season-to-season (82 games) they are the first team in NBA history to make the playoffs, after having been the worst team the season prior.

Confirming that is a slog, so ill just believe it.

I want some final countdown with giant flames

The young core knows how to win now, as long as you continue to surround them with pieces moving forward.

[Sort]

The negative side of Cade's injury is an overuse of Schroder. It will be great though to have Beef Stew back tonight to help up the bench intensity (though hopefully the deadball confrontations will chill). I wish Ausar could play more minutes and get more time as the lead ball handler. He's not great like you want a one to run sets, but if you have motion offense going at the top of the key, he can initiate and play off screens and the guards quickly.

But you can't ask Ausar to do that and play the four.

[Canadafan]

Cades back i believe. And stew. We got this one

Pistons' Cade Cunningham: Likely to play Saturday
https://thescore.com/news/3259204

[blog_pistons]

Duren questionable now, a late add to the injury report with a right peroneal contusion.
Tobias out.

[zeebneeb]

Duren questionable now, a late add to the injury report with a right peroneal contusion.
Tobias out.

Its that nerve right under the skin next to your ankle bone.

Anything Duren/Ankle related is worrisome.

I really hope that at least the last two games, the whole team plays together to get into some kind of a groove. I also expect Cade to be extra-sloppy tonight. Being off for what, 2 weeks(?) Has to effect a whole bunch of things.

[blog_pistons]

Here, both Cade and Duren pregame

Read on Twitter

[BadMofoPimp]

Morant is ruled out!

[MotownMadness]

Nice to have Cade back

[MortSahlfan]

During the commercials, I see that Hooper has bloodshot eyes, too.

[MortSahlfan]

Who is the guy sitting next to Trajan?

[MotownMadness]

This is frustrating

[zeebneeb]

Cade is absolutely out of sync and looks rough out there. Glad he's going to get into game shape over the next 5 instead of trying a quick turnaround at the end of the season.

[zeebneeb]

Team is so much better out there with Cade its unbelievable. Even rusty the difference is night and day.

[MotownMadness]

Stew making them pay for leaving him open