Last week, when I was discussing the Detroit Pistons' upcoming games, I noted their matchup with the New York Knicks, but I overlooked one minor note: The game was played in London, England. Yes, taking a page from the NFL, the NBA decided to send two teams over to England to play. The Knicks make sense, as the fans from regular York perhaps feel some connection to the team from New York. Plus, they are a big team. The Pistons, on the other hand, were a bit of an odd choice. Maybe the league was hoping "Big" Ben Wallace would still be around, or at least Ben Gordon. Or maybe they didn't want to take away a home game from a likely playoff team.
Anyway, the Pistons lost 102-87, which, to be fair, may have been the result even if the game was in the Palace. Hey, Detroit got some major exposure, at least overseas, and how could Englanders not feel affinity for a team featuring a player like Andre Drummond. Get on board the Drummond bandwagon, London. Despite this trip across the pond, Detroit is actually fairly busy this upcoming week. They have four games, two at home and two on the road. As far as I know, none of these games will be in a different country. Not even Canada.
First, the Pistons host the Boston Celtics. Boston has not been as good as many expected this season. They are older and don't look like title contenders anymore. However, they've been better since Avery Bradley got healthy. Detroit could pull off the win, but I think I have to take the Celtics in this one.
Then, on Tuesday, Detroit is at home against Orlando. This is a game the Pistons should win, even with Glen Davis back from his injury. The Magic are better than I expected they would be sans Dwight Howard, but they aren't good. I'm taking Detroit in this one.
I hope they savor that victory, should they get it, because the other two games next week are likely losses. First, on Wednesday, they have to visit the Bulls. Chicago should shut Detroit's offense down, which isn't that hard, especially on the second game of a back-to-back. Finally, on Friday they have to take on the Heat in Miami. That's a loss. I know the Pistons beat them earlier this year, but this is a different scenario. Practically a lock of a loss.
So, it's not looking good for the Pistons this week. They return from a long trip to probably go 1-3 this week as they hit the midway point of the season. They are probably now turning their attention to the trade deadline, or at least they should be. That, and getting potential Rookie of the Year Drummond into the mix more.
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