Sixers vs. Pistons Sunday Afternoon Showdown

Once again the Sixers will face a team hampered with injuries to key players.

Tayshaun Prince is out with a ruptured disc in his back.  Richard Hamilton is listed as day-to-day but it has been confirmed he will not suit up for Detroit today against our Sixers.

The starting line-up new Piston’s coach John Kuester has been running out the last couple games has been:

1. Rodney Stuckey
2. Ben Gordon
3. Charlie Villanueva
4. Jonas Jerebko (R)
5. Ben Wallace

Detroit is 2-4 and has been struggling offensively and rebounding the ball.  Those two weaknesses bode well for the Sixers – IF we can execute.

Of all the games to start the season this was the one I was really looking forward to.  That is, before I found out Rip and Prince wouldn’t be playing.

Right now we know two things about the Sixers.  We are not an elite team and we are not one of the worst teams either.  We are somewhere in the very large middle.  The question I have is where in the middle?

Are we middle 4th/5th seed or are we middle 7th/8th seed?

Detroit would have been a good game to find that out as they are in a similar situation as the Sixers.  New coach, new system, new players and a fringe playoff team with a ceiling of a middle playoff team at best.

We will still get a good idea today.  Detroit still has Ben Gordon who can light it up from outside.  I am really looking forward to seeing Andre Iguodala chase him around and attempt to use his size to take away is opening shooting opportunities.

Lou will be facing two guards very similar in style to himself.  Stuckey and Bynum will attack off the bounce and try to get to the cup and get to the line to score.

Thad will have his hands full with 6-10 rookie Jonas Jerebko.  He is an athletic combo forward just like Thad who will run the floor, play inside and out, rebound, block shots and try to make an impact with his energy.  Thad must keep him off the boards and from getting garbage baskets.

Once again Brand will have to deal with another perimeter oriented power forward.  BUT he should be able to use his girth to back down Villanueva and give the Sixers some consistent offense for a change. Well, we can hope right?

I’ll be here chatting during the game this afternoon.  No Eagles til later, no reason not to join in for a good Sixers chat.

Related posts:

1. 2009-10 NBA Preview: Detroit Pistons
2. Sixers Get a Big Win Against A.I. and the Pistons
3. 2008-09 NBA Preview: Detroit Pistons