Preview of Pistons vs. Suns: Devin Booker visits Detroit as opponent (for now)

The Detroit Pistons play early today, a main course before the main course Detroit Lions faceoff with Washington’s commanders in NFC playoffs. A full day of Detroit sports hopefully means we get to enjoy a raucous crowd. It’s also the latest homecoming for Grand Rapids native and Detroit superfan Devin Booker. I had put a large amount of money on Booker looking forward to, and likely attending, the Lions game than he is for this matchup between two .500 teams.

Vital games

When: 4:00 PM ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Stamps +2

Analysis

When and how will this Phoenix Suns end its implosion? It feels inevitable. The real mystery is what the fallout will be. It could go in several directions. The Suns prefer to find a patsy to take on Bradley Beal so the franchise can limp along with Kevin Durant, Booker and Jimmy Butler. If that doesn’t work, Kevin Durant might find himself in another contentious situation. Failing that, Booker might try to force himself out of Phoenix. Admittedly the lowest probability, but if he forces himself out, the Pistons seem like one of his ideal landing spots. Again, not likely. I’m just putting it out there because I know a lot of fans think about it…regularly.

About the game itself? The Pistons will try to bounce back from a really disappointing performance against the Indiana Pacers. They could look to do their damage inside as Phoenix has struggled to control the paint all season. It eventually led to a total benching of Jusuf Nurkic and trade of Nick Richards.

The Suns are the worst team in the NBA at scoring in the paint. they are bottom 10 in points allowed in the paint, in offensive rebounding, in defensive rebounding and in opponent rebounding. A rebound doesn’t have to be all on the shoulders of Cade Cunningham, who was terrible for large stretches of the Pacers game. Help could come in the form of a dominant showing from Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart. If they dictate the pace and tone of the game, the Pistons could walk away with a win. And give Booker something to think about while he waits for the Lions game to start.

Expected lineup

Detroit Pistons (21-20)

Cade Cunningham, Tim Hardaway, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Phoenix Suns (20-20)

Tyus Jones, Devin Booker, Ryan Dunn, Kevin Durant, Nick Richards

The question of the game

Who won’t be a member of the Phoenix Suns after the trade deadline? For opening night next season?