The Golden State Warriors (37-3) begin a massive three-game East Coast road trip on Saturday night against a Detroit Pistons team (21-18) that's won 13 of 19 at home to start the 2015-16 NBA season. Will Golden State start things out on a good note. Is Detroit primed for an upset? Here's our game preview and prediction.
Game Info:
When: 7:30 p.m. EST
Where: Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, MI
TV: CSN Bay Area (Warriors local), FS Detroit (Pistons local)
Spread: Warriors by 3.5
NEXT READ: Warriors Notebook For December 16th
What's At Stake:
The Warriors have two massive showdowns set at the end of this road trip against Cleveland (Monday) and Chicago (Wednesday). Those teams are a combined 41-7 at home, so it's essential for Golden State to get some momentum in Motown. As for Detroit, this would be the kind of banner win that'll stick with the young team over the entire second half of the season.
Also, it'd cap off a big night for the Pistons with big man Ben Wallace's number retirement ceremony taking place at The Palace.
What They're Saying About The Detroit Pistons:
Big Ben takes place of honor among Pistons greats
2004 Pistons vs. current Warriors: who would win?
What They're Saying About The Golden State Warriors:
Draymond Green excited to see Ben Wallace's number retired
Harrison Barnes to start vs. Pistons
Key To The Game:
Detroit gives up just 97.4 points per home game -- a mark which ranks in the top ten of the NBA. Their plus-7.2 scoring differential at home is #5 among NBA teams. For the Pistons to pick up a big win, they'll need to keep up this level of defensive dominance -- using active hands on the perimeter while staying true on cycle plays as Stephen Curry/Klay Thompson run down the baseline.
If they can do that, their huge advantage in the paint could prove the difference. Detroit is sixth in the NBA with 44.9 inside points per game, while Golden State is an alarming 28th with 46.1 points allowed in the paint per contest.
Prediction: Warriors Win 103-99
This isn't a trap game. It's a battle against a good Pistons team that verges on great at home. However, Golden State is healthy and focused heading into what could be the biggest road trip of the season. Detroit keeps it close, but the Warriors' shooters will find space late.
Back to the Golden State Warriors Newsfeed