Game 24 Preview: Houston Rockets vs. Detroit Pistons - 7:30PM CST
This is going to be quick and maybe sweet. I'll be at the game in section 405 tonight with my 3 year old and we plan to have a blast.
Point Guard
Aaron Brooks - Last preview I asked if he is a top 10 PG, I think it is pretty definitive that he is. He's slotted number 9 on my ballot. Can he pick it up even more with Ariza out? Will the Rockets even ask him to?
vs.
Rodney Stuckey - Good player, fun to watch and always plays hard when I see him. He's the future in Detroit, and while he's one of the few bright spots in that future, it's a good start.
Edge: Rockets
Shooting Guard
Shane Battier - It is hard to say anything more about Shane Battier, we are at the saturation point with his awesomeness. Now it's time for Shane to back all that talk up (not his talk obviously) and get his shooting percentages north of Rafer-esque.
vs.
Richard Hamilton - Came back last game from an injury and had a solid game. He's still a really good basketball player but doesn't seem the same without Chauncey Billups. I know he still regrets signing that extension.
Edge: Pistons
Small Forward
Chase Budinger - I can only assume that he's getting the start at small forward to keep Landry doing his work off the bench. Obviously that's open to interpretation. But the future NBA rookie of the year has played well all season and should get this reward.
vs.
Jonas Jerebko - I didn't even know he was an NBA player. What is going on? That's three teams in a row that I honestly didn't know a player. I mean, I vaguely remember him getting drafted in the second round, but that's it.
Edge: Rockets
Power Forward
Luis Scola - There are a few guys in the NBA that I just enjoy watching, and Scola is clearly in my top 5 on that list. He works hard every single possession and much like Battier, you have to work hard to truly quantify his value. I'd love to see him get his scoring up 3-5 points a game, but that's not really in the cards given how strong Landry is with the second team and how the offense runs with the first.
vs.
Jason Maxiell - I expected more of him since Pistons fans have been touting him about as much as Lakers fans tout Andrew Bynum. Instead his production has dropped off pretty much across the board, and it really didn't have a long way to fall.
Edge: Rockets
Center
Chuck Hayes - If you asked me, given how they are paid, and their production, I'd take Chuck 100 times out of 100 over Ben Wallace.
vs.
Ben Wallace - Never have I been a fan of Ben Wallace making more than 5-6MM a year. Not because he hasn't been a hard worker, but because he is an extremely limited player. His rebounding and defense are still strong, but not what they used to be. The only reason the Pistons get the edge is because he is a better rebounder than Hayes because of his size.
Edge: Pistons, but not by very much
Injuries/Suspensions
Houston Rockets
OUT - Trevor Ariza is suspended for tonight's game and Tracy McGrady is still serving his penance.
Detroit Pistons
DTD - Tayshaun Prince looks to be out for tonight's game and half of the team is nursing some ailment or other.
My Prediction: Rockets win by 4
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13 comments
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Comments
The Bench
is important in this match up as well… since now our bench brigade goes from 3 to 2 (with the occasionally showing of DA)
I was able to see them play last friday against the Bucks in the Palace… and they were playing just as scrappy as we normally do (Toronto game aside) so it should be a fun game to watch.
I think its ironic that Budinger will start his only game in Detroit, the team that sold him to Houston. Not that there was any bad blood to it, just that its a huge coincidence.
Nice write up
I think you guys may be surprised by Jonas Jerebko. He’s a banger, and he’s a very capable scorer inside and out.
Also, Ben has been a monster this season. He’s the reason we’re even in contention with all the injuries we’ve had. You gave him a slight edge over Hayes. I respect CH, but I think you’ll see Ben is playing some amazing, game changing D.
Enjoy the game.
Piggy backing off my Pistons brethren
Best game previews I’ve seen so far this season.
For the record, Big Ben is only making 1.3 million (vet’s min) from the Pistons this season. And he’s been unreal. You’ll see tonight, hopefully (for our sake).
Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog
Have to be honest
I thought he was still on the 10MM contract. For 1.3, he’s fantastic
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
I remember seeing Jerebko’s name and photo when I was sifting through draft sites before the draft. He was getting some good pub there.
Now, I’ve been seeing his name periodically in game recaps… which is enough to tell me he’s a pretty good player. Nice to hear first-hand accounts backing that up.
Almost totally irrelevant, but I think it’s kinda cool he slightly resembles Dolph Lundgren.
by DribbleHooper on Dec 15, 2009 6:42 PM CST up reply actions
Jerebko ain't bad
He is starting for defensive purposes, where he is really pretty good
The guy we have to watch out for is Will Bynum. Lowry vs Bynum should be fun
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