THE Toronto Raptors would apparently prefer to lose to the Detroit Pistons tonight, thank you very much. The Raptors are in a soft reset and looking to lean on youngster Scottie Barnes. However, their choice in the next NBA Draft is only protected among the top six. The Raptors currently have the seventh-worst record in the NBA with 17 games remaining. They are a half-game ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies in the standings. As they plan to take on the Detroit Pistons, would it surprise you that the Raptors injury report is as follows: Scottie Barnes (out), RJ Barrett (out), Jakob Poeltl (out), Gary Trent Jr . (absent) ?
The Pistons don’t seem to care. They’ve won two of their last three games and even if that ONLY means finishing the season with the second or third best odds in the lottery, they would apparently prefer to win some games. Also, it’s day 313 and the Pistons are celebrating the life of J Dilla. If Detroit doesn’t win, I’ll be furious. Especially because if the Pistons lose, it will be because of the revenge games of Bruce Brown and Kellly Olynyk.
Vital elements of the game
When: 7 p.m. ET
Or: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Watch: Bally Sports Detroit
Odds: Pistons -3.5
Projected programming
Detroit Pistons (11-53)
Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Simone Fontecchio, Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren
Toronto Raptors (23-42)
Immanuel Quickley, Bruce Brown, Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, Kelly Olynyk
