The Detroit Pistons can either enter the All-Star break above or below .500. It all depends on how they fare against the Chicago Bulls over the next two nights. Do they want to be seen as winners or losers? Yes, I’m being slightly dramatic, but it is just an indication of how much the expectations have changed this season for the Pistons. After a franchise-worst and franchise-altering season a year ago that saw them win just 14 games, this year has brought new leadership and much-improved play. Gone are the days of talking about lottery odds. Today, the conversation should (rightly) be about whether the Pistons can play well enough to secure a top-six spot in the Eastern Conference and ensure they dodge the play-in tournament. The Bulls are coming off of consecutive defeats of 19-plus points. They no longer have Zach LaVine, and will also be missing Lonzo Ball. It is a game the Pistons should win.
Game Vitals
When: 8 p.m. ET
Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons -4.5
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (27-26):
Cade Cunningham, Tim Hardaway Jr, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
Chicago Bulls (22-31):
Josh Giddey, Kevin Huerter, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Nikola Vucevic