The Detroit Pistons ended their record 28-game losing streak the last time they faced the Toronto Raptors, earning a close 129-127 victory on Dec. 30 at Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons hope to have the same luck when they host the Raptors again on Wednesday, marking the final game of their season series.
In the previous game mentioned, Detroit had six players score in double figures, with two recording a double-double. Pistons guard Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 30 points and 12 assists, while third-year center Jalen Duren had 18 points and an impressive 17 rebounds. Jaden Ivey scored 12 points. Bojan Bogdanovic, Kevin Knox and Alec Burks – who Detroit parted ways with at the NBA trade deadline – scored 19, 16 and 17 points, respectively.
Both teams have made significant changes to their rosters since that December game, there’s an argument for Detroit making a sleeper move by acquiring Simone Fontecchio from the Utah Jazz.
In 13 (six starts) games with the Pistons, Fontecchio is averaging 15.2 points on 49% shooting from the field and 43% from beyond the arc, while also collecting four rebounds and a steal. He replaced Ausar Thompson in Detroit’s starting unit on Monday, finishing with 17 points and eight rebounds as the Pistons beat the Charlotte Hornets by 17.
Thompson, who is currently listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game (illness), appears to be a game-time decision. If he can’t go, expect the Italian-born forward to win his seventh start in Detroit and be a big factor.
Toronto will be a bit shorthanded according to the latest NBA injury report. Raptors forward Chris Boucher will be out of action after recently suffering a partially torn right MCL in a loss Saturday to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Toronto will also be without top scorer RJ Barrett, who will miss Wednesday’s game for personal reasons.
NBA basketball
Detroit Pistons (11-53) vs. Toronto Raptors (23-42)
When: Wednesday March 13
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Or: Little Caesars Arena
Channel: Bally Sports Detroit
