The Detroit Pistons begin a 4 game, 9 day west coast road trip Sunday night at 9:00 P.M. Eastern Time. Detroit, who now sits at 19-39 and the 12th seed have very little hope for the playoffs, however the Portland Trail Blazers are in the midst of a highly contested playoff race. Portland hopes to stay in the race as star point guard Damian Lillard recovers from a groin injury that sidelined him from the All-Star Game.
The Pistons new 10 day contract signees will debut Sunday night. Former Michigan star Derrick Walton Jr. was signed following the buyout of Reggie Jackson. Donta Hall was called up from the Grand Rapids Drive, Detroit’s G League affiliate, and signed to a 10 day contract, filling Markieff Morris’ roster spot.
When asked about whether or not players trying out for full time roster spots, such as Hall and Walton will get minutes, Casey said, “The only way I think you build a championship-type team is to play the guys who produce. If you just run them out there with no consequences for mistakes, no consequences for lack of discipline, no consequences for letting your guy blow by you, then you’re not going to have very much when it’s all ready to go (in future years). It’s pretty simple from that standpoint.”
Prediction:
The Portland Trail Blazers will struggle to get the offense going without Damian Lillard. CJ McCollum and Anferee Simons will have to step up. Detroit will continue to produce good defense, but will once again turnovers will cost them. Expect Christian Wood to have a big game. Blazers win a low scoring game, and the Pistons lose their 6th straight.
Injury Report:
Detroit: Luke Kennard(Bilateral Knee Tendinitis) Khyri Thomas(G League – Rehab Assignment) Blake Griffin(Left Knee Surgery) Louis King(G League – two way) and Jordan Bone ( G League – two way) are OUT
Portland: Mario Hezonja( Knee ) and Damian Lillard( Groin ) are OUT
Game Information
Moda Center 9:00 EST, February 23, 2020
Portland -4.5
Piston Territory 