Rockets Clash with Pistons in Motor City Matinee Affair
Afternoon Hoops. Improved Wheels. Front Half.
The Houston Rockets play a rare day game, as they visit the Detroit Pistons for a Sunday afternoon matchup. This is the first afternoon game of the season for the Rockets, play most of their matches in the evening. Houston is coming off their first blowout loss of the season, a 126-107 defeat at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Rockets aim to bounce back against a Pistons squad that’s still in rebuilding mode. However, so far this season, Detroit is much improved from last year’s dreadful finish in the dweller of the Eastern Conference standings.
The Pistons are 4-6 to start this young campaign, and they have plenty of young talent. Besides Cade Cunningham, the only player selected before Jalen Green in the 2021 Draft Class, the Pistons also acquired Tobias Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr. in the offseason. Malik Beasley is also a threat off the bench for Detroit, scoring 22 points in their last game, a one-point win over the Atlanta Hawks. The Pistons also have a new head coach in J.B. “Black Jesus” Bickerstaff. Black Jesus has his Pistons roaring off to a faster start than most expected. His no-phone policy with players during games seems to be working. And there’s nothing the former Rockets Head Coach would rather do than beat one of his many former teams, especially on a Sunday.
Today’s matchup is the first of a back-to-back for the Rockets, and the end of a brief two-gamer road-trip. After this contest, Houston will return home for three straight games, starting with a matchup with the Washington Wizards tomorrow night. Hopefully, Houston can put away Detroit early, and get some much-needed rest for Monday’s game. Keep an eye on the Green-Cunningham matchup. Whichever young star performs better could decide the outcome of this ballgame. Alperen Sengun is also due for a dominant showing, after a quiet performance in the OKC loss. Regardless, the Rockets have a deeper team than the Pistons. After suffering their worst loss of the young season, expect Houston to approach this matchup with an increase in intensity on both ends of the court. Expect a bounce back win for the Rockets on Sunday afternoon, as the squad plays their first day game of the season.
Little Caesars Arena: Detroit, Michigan
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (5-4): Red
Detroit Pistons (4-6): White
Tip-Off: 2:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass