Coming off of arguably the worst performance of the season against the Utah Jazz, the Pistons would hope to bounce back in the following game on January 2nd. Unfortunately for the Pistons, this matchup comes against the LA Clippers, who are currently the 3rd seed in the West. Injuries have been a common factor throughout the season for the Pistons, and they won’t be escaping them in this game.
Tonights Injuries: (Pistons)
F Blake Griffin (Knee) – Doubtful
G Luke Kennard (Knee) – Out
F Markieff Morris (Foot) – Out
G Bruce Brown (Illness) – Questionable
G Reggie Jackson (Back) – Out
G Khyri Thomas (Foot) – Out
Tonights Injuries: (Clippers)
G Patrick Beverley (Wrist) – Out
If Bruce Brown determines he cannot play tonight, expect Tim Frazier to get the start at PG. With Blake Griffin doubtful and Markieff Morris out, both Christian Wood and Thon Maker can expect heavier minutes. With two PFs out, we can expect Andre Drummond to play more than usual, as both Wood and Maker typically play at the C, and will be forced to play alongside Drummond, or each other.
This game would have been an interesting one for Blake Griffin, playing against his former team. Last season when the Pistons played the Clippers, Griffin tallied 44 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in 40 minutes. Although we haven’t numbers anywhere near that from Griffin this season, if there were a game for him to breakout, it would have been this one.
Throughout the season, Kawhi Leonard has been a reliable player for the Clippers, as he is averaging 25.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, along with 1.8 steals. Leonard, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Paul George, a 2018 MVP candidate, and an impressive supporting cast of Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell, and Patrick Beverley, has proven to be one of the best in the NBA, with a record of (24-11). This will likely prove to be one the most difficult games of the season for the Pistons, especially considering the injuries.
Piston Territory 