OPENING TIP
Once again, everything is set up for a win for the Cavaliers, as their opponent is in minor disarray. That’s because the Pistons just traded Tayshaun Prince, their starting small forward and someone who had been with the organization for 11 years. He went to the Grizzlies, along with forward Austin Daye, in a deal that sent Rudy Gay to the Raptors. The man the Pistons received, Cavs-killing guard Jose Calderon, isn’t expected to suit up tonight. Question is, can the Cavs take advantage?
Venue: The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Mich.
TV/Radio: 7 p.m. EST, FOX Sports Ohio/WTAM
All-Time Series: Pistons lead, 114-78, and are 2-0 vs. Cavs this season.
PROJECTED STARTERS
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (13-33)
C Tyler Zeller
PF Tristan Thompson
SF Alonzo Gee
SG Dion Waiters
PG Kyrie Irving
DETROIT PISTONS (17-29)
C Greg Monroe
PF Jason Maxiell
SF Kyle Singler
SG Rodney Stuckey
PG Brandon Knight
Pregame notes:
• The Cavs have won four straight vs. Eastern Conference opponents.
• Daniel Gibson (toe) and Luke Walton (death in family) are out for the Cavs.
• Monroe is averaging 20 points in his previous four games.
• The Pistons’ have made a dramatic improvement on defense this year. They are limiting opponents to 44.3 percent shooting, 11th in the league.
• The Pistons also rank ninth in the league in rebounding, compared to 27th in 2011-12.
• Pistons rookie Andre Drummond has blocked at least one shot in 14 straight games. He is averaging 2.2 blocks in that span. He leads all rookies in double-doubles with eight.
• More Drummond news: He is one of only three centers in league to record 70-plus blocks and 40-plus steals.
• The Cavs are also making strides defensively. They’re fifth in the NBA in turnovers forced per game (15.7).
