Gameday Preview: Spurs vs. Pistons

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SAN ANTONIO SPURS (51-12) vs. DETROIT PISTONS (23-41)
TEAM LEADERS

Points Rebounds Assists
SPURS Manu Ginobili 17.8 Tim Duncan 9.1 Tony Parker 6.6
PISTONS Rodney Stuckey 15.5 Greg Monroe 6.9 Rodney Stuckey 4.6

After their first home loss in more than three months, the San Antonio Spurs will try to get back to their winning ways and sweep the season series against the Detroit Pistons tonight at the AT&T Center.

San Antonio (51-12) has used a 29-3 home record to help build a four game lead over Boston in the entire NBA. Their 22 straight home victories came to an end with a 99-83 loss to the defending champion Los Angeles last Sunday.

Tim Duncan was held to only two points and 1-of-7 shooting for the second time this season against the Lakers. 

Rookie Greg Monroe is averaging 15.4 points and 10.3 rebounds while shooting 59.1 percent over his last eight games with the Pistons. He had 12 points and seven boards Sunday night, and was one of seven players to score in double figures for Detroit (23-41) in a 113-102 win over the Washington Wizards.

Tayshaun Prince returned from a four game absence due to back problems and scored 20 points while Rodney Stuckey had 19 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.

Duncan had 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Monroe scored 14 and grabbed 13 boards in San Antonio’s 100-89 road win on February 8 at Detroit. 

Hit the jump to find out the keys to the game for the Spurs and Pistons, and which team wins this game.

KEYS TO THE GAME

SPURS:

Offense — The Spurs’ balance offense and deep bench are some of the reasons for their success this season. Entering this game, five Spurs players are averaging double digits and their bench can provide solid offensive boost at any given night. Also Tim Duncan usually plays well after a bad game so look out for a better effort from the ‘Big Fundamental’ on the offensive end.

Defense — The bulk of Detroit’s offense comes from their backcourt. It will be key for the Spurs to contain Stuckey, Prince, McGrady and Hamilton on the offensive end.

PISTONS:

Offense — The Pistons will not lack in firepower, likewise five Pistons players are averaging in double figures when they face the Spurs.

Defense — Limit Tim Duncan inside the paint, guard the Spurs’ perimeter shooters and cover Ginobili, Parker, Hill and Jefferson’s dribble penetrations.

INJURIES

Spurs — None

Pistons — Tayshaun Prince – back (day-to-day)

PREDICTION: The Spurs are coming off an embarrassing loss against the Lakers while the Pistons won their last game against the Washington Wizards. With their overall lead dwindling, the Spurs will surely try to win a game they suppose to win. If they keep their focus, this should be an easy game. Final score 107-89 with the Spurs winning it.

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