GameDay Preview: Cavs vs. Pistons
Game Summary
The Cavaliers (4-16) return to The Q tonight to take on the division rival Detroit Pistons (6-15) at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Both squads come into tonight's contest on the end of a back-to-back as the Wine and Gold fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 91-73, and the Pistons loss to the Chicago Bulls, 108-104.
Center, Anderson Varejao, will try to start a new double-double streak after his run ended at 10 last night (four points, 14 rebounds). On the season, Varejao is averaging career-highs in points (14.4) and rebounds (15.3).
The Pistons are also led by their center, second-year big Greg Monroe, who is averaging a team-high in points (15.2) and rebounds (9.4).
Probable Starters/Injury Report* presented by Cleveland Clinic
Cavaliers: PG - Jeremy Pargo, SG - Daniel Gibson, SF - Alonzo Gee
PF - Tristan Thompson, C - Anderson Varejao
Pistons: PG - Brandon Knight, SG - Kyle Singler, SF - Tayshaun Prince
PF - Jason Maxiell, C - Greg Monroe
Injuries: (Cavs) - Kyrie Irving (Hairline/Non-Displaced Fracture in Left Index Finger, Out), Dion Waiters (Left Ankle Sprain, Out)
(Pistons) - None to Report
*Subject to change
Head-to-Head Matchup
The Cavaliers trail the all-time series against the Pistons, 113-78, posting a 51-44 mark in games played at home with the Pistons tallying a 69-27 record in games played in their home arena. Dating back to Feb. 1, 2009, Cleveland holds an 11-5 mark against Detroit, including 6-2 at The Q and 5-3 at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
The two teams met just five days ago in Detroit with the Pistons coming away with an 89-79 victory despite 17 points and 18 rebounds from Anderson Varejao.
Key to the Game/Key Matchup
Key to the Game
Get off to a Good StartIn their last meeting earlier this week, the Cavaliers came out sluggish and Detroit built a 30-17 lead after the first quarter. Detroit added to their lead in the second quarter and took a 17-point advantage into the half. The Cavaliers would fight back, but the first half deficit was too much to overcome.
Saturday night crowds at The Q are always electric and if the Cavaliers can get off to a great start and ride the crowd, then the Wine and Gold will have a major advantage.
Key Matchup
Coach Byron Scott vs. Coach Lawrence Frank
The two head coaches going head-to-head tonight are very familiar with each other. Frank became head coach of the New Jersey Nets in 2004, succeeding Scott, after serving as an assistant coach under Scott starting in the 2000 season.
With it being a division matchup and both coaches knowledgeable about the other's strategies, look for them to try and come up with unique gameplans.
Furthermore, each coach will be coaching his team on the back-end of a back-to-back, having to re-focus their teams one night after a loss.
Where to Catch the Action
TV: FSOhio HD, NBA League Pass
Radio: WTAM 1100, XM 222, NBA League Pass Audio
Tonight's Promotions
