OGT: Jan 12 Pistons (13-24) @ Raptors (25-11)

[Legends66NBA7]

Game Preview: http://mi.nba.com/preview/#!/0021400565


The Detroit Pistons' recent play has them more closely resembling one of the league's top teams rather than the last-place club in the Central Division.

They can further establish their legitimacy Monday night when they visit the Atlantic-leading Toronto Raptors.

The Pistons (13-24) have won eight of nine contests since they waived Josh Smith on Dec. 22. Their offensive output has risen from 94.4 to 106.2 points per game, their field-goal percentage has jumped from 41.3 to 46.5 percent, their turnovers are down (13.8 to 12.6), their assists are up (20.4 to 22.8) and they've allowed 94.3 points per game after yielding 101.1 in their first 28.

"It's fun, man," Jonas Jerebko told the Pistons' official website. "It's fun back at The Palace. I've seen it a few times, but it's fun seeing it two days in a row. The city is really coming behind us. We're trying to show them a good product that's easy to sell. I think it's pretty fun to watch us play right now."

Since Dec. 26, the Pistons are 5-0 on the road and 3-1 at home, losing only to Southeast-leading Atlanta 106-103 on Friday. They bounced back the next night at The Palace, downing Brooklyn 98-93 behind 20 points and 11 assists from*Brandon Jennings*and 17 rebounds from*Greg Monroe.

After owning the NBA's third-worst record on Christmas, Detroit now finds itself just three games out of the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference with 45 games to play.

"It was big,"*Kyle Singler*said of Saturday's win. "Coach (Stan Van Gundy) said something after the game last night saying we're not falling back into losing and going backwards. This was big for us."

Toronto (25-11) found itself trending in the opposite direction with a season-worst four-game skid before notching a 109-96 win over Boston on Saturday. The Raptors had allowed 114.0 points per game during their losing streak, but forced 13 turnovers in the second and third quarters while outscoring the Celtics 63-39.

"I thought our defensive mojo was back," coach Dwane Casey said. "I saw guys moving their feet, cracking down, rebounding, doing the things we needed to do with activity and anticipation."

James Johnson, who started his sixth game of the season Saturday, figures to receive plenty of playing time Monday against Detroit after he recorded 15 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks against Boston for his second double-double this season.

"He can guard the bigger wings, he can block shots, he can handle the ball, he gives us another ball handler," Casey said. "We knew that with James. He's a talented young man."

Johnson had 12 points off the bench when the Raptors beat the Pistons 110-100 at The Palace on Dec. 19, though that game might be best remembered for his extracurricular activity with*Andre Drummond. Detroit's big man smashed into Johnson with his forearm and hip after being dunked on in the fourth quarter, setting off a melee that saw Drummond get a flagrant foul and four technicals called.

Kyle Lowry*had only 15 points on 5-of-14 shooting in that win, Toronto's fourth straight in the series.

[SugarHill]

lol Jonas was confused that he was so open. Couldn't even react.

[SugarHill]

Ross is having a great game so far

[Legends66NBA7]

Ross is having a great game so far

The whole starting unit is. This a great start.

[Kungfro]

What a start, Valanciunas has been a beast.

[Legends66NBA7]

Lowry trying to pad his assists. :oldlol:


Slow down, bro.

[SugarHill]

Ross doing thangs so far

which means he'll fvck up later if things get tight

[SugarHill]

How many distance metaphors does this dude have regarding Canadian places that aren't Toronto?

I mean, he tried to use one for a miss and cut himself off presumably because he realized how annoying it is

[Kungfro]

Wow, a Grand Prairie callout. Thought about working there, **** is it far north though.

[Legends66NBA7]

How many distance metaphors does this dude have regarding Canadian places that aren't Toronto?

I mean, he tried to use one for a miss and cut himself off presumably because he realized how annoying it is

Well, as long it's Mississauga getting shout outs, it's all good.

[Legends66NBA7]

Ross doing thangs so far

which means he'll fvck up later if things get tight

JV getting benched for the 4th too. He's playing too good.

[Kungfro]

Val back in quicker then I expected, same with James Johnson.

[Done_And_Done]

Lou drawing the harm as he always does

[Legends66NBA7]

Val back in quicker then I expected, same with James Johnson.

That means less Fields and Hansbrough, good news.

[Kungfro]

Val is so much better when he can battle against a traditional big like Drummond.

[Kungfro]

Terrible call against Jonas.

[Legends66NBA7]

That is a terrible call.

Monroe had his elbow in JV's grill and he JV gets called for a foul ? :biggums:

[embersyc]

Pistons look like a 13-24 team right now, or should I say 13-25.

Can't watch this game, Valacunius (sp?) is making the whole damn squad his personal bitches.

[Legends66NBA7]

Pistons look like a 13-24 team right now, or should I say 13-25.

Can't watch this game, Valacunius (sp?) is making the whole damn squad his personal bitches.

I always love watching Val vs Dre since they came into the league at the same time and are both promising young players.

But it just seems like Val usually gets the better of Dre and whoever else guarding him in most of these games.

[Done_And_Done]

Sterner cutting another promo before Wrestlemania

[Kungfro]

Jennings is just automatic on that floater.

[Legends66NBA7]

Jennings has killed the Raps with that floater game.

[Done_And_Done]

Well done Jonas

[Legends66NBA7]

Take Ross out, bring in Lou.

[Done_And_Done]

Jennings snapping those ankles

[Done_And_Done]

Take Ross out, bring in Lou.

Agreed. If his shot isn't on right now, he's bringing nothing to table.

[SugarHill]

Jennings should be an all-star.

[Legends66NBA7]

Casey once again showing poor coaching. Should have called a timeout and brought out Ross way earlier instead holding on to a 1 point lead when you decide to call it.

[Done_And_Done]

Jennings should be an all-star.

He'd definitely have a case if the season started 9 games ago

[Legends66NBA7]

Alright, we're down now.

Who wants to step up ?

[SugarHill]

lmao Raps just letting this run go forever

[SugarHill]

He'd definitely have a case if the season started 9 games ago
I mean in terms of talent and ability. He's a knucklehead

[Done_And_Done]

I mean in terms of talent and ability. He's a knucklehead

That he is brother...

[Rake2204]

Jennings should be an all-star.Haha, if it weren't for this maybe... http://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-nba/rake2204/psa-brandon-jennings-averaging-5-7-points-20-shooting-last-six-games/19459/

[Legends66NBA7]

Playing like a bunch of clueless morons on defense. How do you just let a team kill you in the pick n roll like this all night long ?

[embersyc]

Yeah back in this thing.

[Done_And_Done]

Excellent vision JJ

[SugarHill]

that was an amazing pass by Vasquez

[Kungfro]

Wow, that was such a late whistle.

[Done_And_Done]

Ball don't lie

[Young X]

Refs on some bullsh!t. How was that a foul? smh

[Done_And_Done]

Jack venting the common fan's exasperation lol

[Kungfro]

I love Jack Armstrong, so much better then Leo.

[SugarHill]

meeks

http://i.imgur.com/DOqLXrt.gif

[Legends66NBA7]

Lowry needs to come alive Iin the 4th and so does the defense.

[GoRapz]

Man, Jack had me fired up!!! It's so ****ing true I don't understand why this isn't taken more seriously by the league??? Refs constantly do this shit it's disgusting

[embersyc]

As much as Blaha/Kelsier were annoying me earlier, the Toronto announcers are even worse. Is it possible to get some balanced play-by-play in a game?

[SugarHill]

As much as Blaha/Kelsier were annoying me earlier, the Toronto announcers are even worse. Is it possible to get some balanced play-by-play in a game?
hell are you talking about? :coleman:

[Rake2204]

Man, Jack had me fired up!!! It's so ****ing true I don't understand why this isn't taken more seriously by the league??? Refs constantly do this shit it's disgustingI was listening, not watching that play. Was there legitimately a foul? I do not particularly mind the refs using some discretion from time to time, where certain light fouls are let go if the bucket goes.

If there was no foul to begin with, then that's another matter.

[Young X]

Augustine is quick af

[Legends66NBA7]

Turnovers killing us. Run the best unit after the 9 minute mark.

[SugarHill]

dat Lou vision

stevie wonder

[Done_And_Done]

JV with the career high baby

[SugarHill]

Jonas never hit 30 before? Coulda swore he did :biggums:

[Done_And_Done]

I was listening, not watching that play. Was there legitimately a foul? I do not particularly mind the refs using some discretion from time to time, where certain light fouls are let go if the bucket goes.

If there was no foul to begin with, then that's another matter.

I believe Johnson did make minor contact on the wrist.

[Legends66NBA7]

Amir should have been brought in like 3 minutes ago... thanks again Casey.

[red1]

entertaining game so far

[Done_And_Done]

Jonas never hit 30 before? Coulda swore he did :biggums:

The Casey effect lol

[SugarHill]

look at how efficient Jonas has been tho

[yobore]

James Johnson is #1 in the league at getting wide open lanes to the rim. I've noticed every game the defense parts in front of him like the red sea. I realize the guy can't shoot but you still have to guard him

[Legends66NBA7]

Game is over. Can't get stops right now.

[embersyc]

Jerebko!

[SugarHill]

lmao Raptors

just wow

[Kungfro]

That hurts, could not have defended that better either.

[red1]

:roll: wow meeks

[embersyc]

Meeks!

[SugarHill]

wowowowow

[red1]

gawdry!

[embersyc]

oh ****

[Done_And_Done]

Lowry just so damn clutch

[Legends66NBA7]

Honestly, if you aren't going to coach defense, what good is Casey ?

What the hell is he doing on that bench ? How can you not prepare these guys to play defense on a home stand ?

[SugarHill]

lowry does it again :roll:

[red1]

rushed that shit

[SugarHill]

Lowry just so damn clutch
spoke too soon

[Kungfro]

Damn, no timeouts either. Need to run the ball and probably take a 3.

[Legends66NBA7]

A floater ? Really ? That's the shot you take ?

[SugarHill]

Is Lowry serious?

no all-star and trade his ass

real talk

[embersyc]

Jennings!!!!!!!!!!

Hell ****ing yes.

[red1]

fuuuuuuck

[Kungfro]

Jennings completely outplayed Lowry tonight.

[Legends66NBA7]

This team is just terrible to watch at this moment. It's not 2014 anymore and you're still running terrible plays and no defensive awareness.


If your not going to play any defense, sit out the game.

[red1]

Jennings completely outplayed Lowry tonight.
big time

[embersyc]

If Pistons could stop giving up big leads in the first half, they would be elite.

[Legends66NBA7]

And SVG clearly out coached Casey. It was pretty obvious after that first quarter.

[Fudge]

Eat shit, Toronto.

[red1]

that meeks three was the back-breaker. I just knew that shit was going in the moment he caught it

[Young X]

J-Val: 31/12 on 14/15 :biggums:

Raps' defense and decision making were terrible. Jennings out there looking like prime AI n shyt :facepalm

When does DeMar get back?

[Kungfro]

J-Val: 31/12 on 14/15 :biggums:

Raps' defense and decision making were terrible. Jennings out there looking like prime AI n shyt :facepalm

When does DeMar get back?

Wednesday against Philly, which is good since it gives him at least a game to work back into the lineup before we face Atlanta on Friday.

[Legends66NBA7]

J-Val: 31/12 on 14/15 :biggums:

Raps' defense and decision making were terrible. Jennings out there looking like prime AI n shyt :facepalm

When does DeMar get back?

There are conflicting sources but one of them says DeMar will be back this Wednesday vs the Sixers.

[hawksdogsbraves]

Pistons would be a fairly terrifying 8 seed :eek:

[embersyc]

Hell they are only 5.5 games back on the 5 spot at this point. It would disappointing to only get 8th (only 2 games back now) the way they have been playing lately.

[Velocirap31]

At least Val took a big shit on Drummond. he looked amazing. Raptors suck now though, where the hell are you Demar?

[yeaaaman]

There are conflicting sources but one of them says DeMar will be back this Wednesday vs the Sixers.

Pre-game they were saying there are rumblings that he might not come back until after the Hawks game. Sounds like they're really unsure.

[Detroit]

At least Val took a big shit on Drummond. he looked amazing. Raptors suck now though, where the hell are you Demar?

Man that dude Val was straight ballin' tonight. I was hoping they put in Joel Anthony because Drummond was getting destroyed out there.

[Legends66NBA7]

^ I hear you both.

Only thing with DeMar coming back, he's not going to be great right away. He needs some practices/games before he gets some rhythm under him. That's why the Sixers game is ideal to bring him back, this team needs someone to boost their moral and help carry the load. It's really low at this point.

[Rake2204]

How's Valanciunas played this year otherwise? I've always had a liking for his game.

[Legends66NBA7]

How's Valanciunas played this year otherwise? I've always had a liking for his game.

His best season to date.

Still needs to work on his defense and overall motor but he'll turn out to be a fine pro. I would like the team to keep getting him touches and making quick decisions with the basketball. When he hesitates and over thinks, it turns into a problem. Just keep things simple.

Hope to see more battles between him and Drummond over the years. I know Drummond got torched on both ends by Val, but both are still very young and are far from finished products.

[sundog67]

Anyone notice Drummond sitting on the bench towards the very end of the game? The bench was pretty empty with everyone up cheering but Andre was just sitting there looking detached.

[Legends66NBA7]

Anyone notice Drummond sitting on the bench towards the very end of the game? The bench was pretty empty with everyone up cheering but Andre was just sitting there looking detached.

Probably didn't like getting benched. He was getting owned on both ends of the floor by Val, but his team won the game despite him in the end.

He's a young kid, so I will just take it that he wanted to play. Hopefully it's not a habit that happens to him when he's a veteran.

[sundog67]

Probably didn't like getting benched. He was getting owned on both ends of the floor by Val, but his team won the game despite him in the end.

He's a young kid, so I will just take it that he wanted to play. Hopefully it's not a habit that happens to him when he's a veteran.

Thanks for the insight, I tuned in late so I didn't get to see all of what you mentioned.

I agree, pouting is totally unnecessary. Priority should be put on winning games and he should be up to support his guys during crunch time, especially with the way the game unfolded down the stretch. There were guys on their feet that didn't even get 5 minutes of PT, and Dre is a starter. Have some damn pride.