Detroit Pistons: Homestand Should Restore Hope
The Detroit Pistons have had a tough start to the season, but will look to restore hope with their four-game home stand over the next six days.
The Detroit Pistons (8-9) started the season as one of the hottest teams in the NBA by going 5-1 in their first six games. Since then, the Pistons have struggled in 11 games going 3-8. However, coming home should bring a new energy as the Pistons have four winnable games.
The Pistons’ struggles are warranted due to their tough schedule. Prior to Sunday night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets (4-13), the Pistons had the eighth toughest schedule in the NBA, according to Pistons.com editor Keith Lawson. Only the Raptors had a tougher schedule and had a better record than the Pistons of Eastern Conference teams entering Sunday.
However, it’s not an excuse for the Pistons struggling against teams that are beatable.
Only team in NBA East ahead of #Pistons in standings and had more difficult schedule: Toronto
— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) November 29, 2015
After the Pistons’ great start, they immediately went on a West coast road trip. Against the Phoenix Suns (8-9), the Pistons won 100-92 and earned one of their two wins on that road trip. They played the Los Angeles Lakers (2-14) on the same trip and lost 97-85. The Pistons will welcome both teams to The Palace during the upcoming home stand.
The Pistons will host the Houston Rockets (7-10) on Monday night. Wednesday night will be a re-match against the Suns. Friday night will be the second game of four against the Milwaukee Bucks (6-11). The home stand will come to a close as the Lakers visit Detroit on Sunday evening. The four teams the Pistons will host combine for a 23-44 record entering Monday.
With four teams that aren’t playing well coming to town, the Pistons need to take advantage of this opportunity to end their dry spell. Reggie Jackson has been a major factor in the Pistons’ success, while the bench has been a downfall this season.
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One of the keys will be Reggie Jackson’s production. He has played a major factor in Pistons’ wins this year by averaging 22.3 points per game. In losses, Jackson is down to 15 points per game. He needs to take advantage of games against the Rockets and Bucks with struggling point guard play for both opponents. He will also be able to exploit a matchup against an inexperienced but talented D’Angelo Russell when the Pistons host the Lakers. Jackson is a major factor in the Pistons’ success.
Bench production has been one of the major breakdowns to the Pistons this season. Their bench ranks among the worst offensively in the league. According to Hoopsstats.com, they ranked 29th in minutes per game with 15.3 entering Sunday night’s game, so the bench hasn’t been given the best of opportunities. However, they also are not making the most of their opportunities. The bench ranks last in the NBA in points per game (22.2) and field goal percentage (35.5 percent). The Pistons need to find an answer on the bench if they’re going to win games and dominate the teams they should beat.
Going into this week’s home stand, the Pistons are in a desperate need of rejuvenating their fan base. While Detroit’s attendance has increased over last season, it is a small sample size having played six games at home. The Pistons are in the middle of the longest playoff drought in franchise history since the NBA merger in 1976.
Detroit has missed the postseason in six consecutive seasons, which the only other time that was done in franchise history was from 1977-1983. Prior to their current drought, the Pistons made eight consecutive playoffs. During that stretch they went to the NBA Finals twice and won the NBA Finals in the 2003-04 season. They also made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in six of those eight playoff appearances.
The Pistons’ fan base is hungry for postseason success. They have been acclimated to great success in the 2000’s and Detroit is wanting something to cheer for. With the Tigers missing the postseason and the Lions having a rough season, the Pistons have a prime opportunity to energize a sports city that loves their sports teams.
Next: Who is the Pistons Long-Term X-Factor?
This upcoming home stand will tell a lot about the Pistons team and coaching staff going through the second full month of the season. They have an opportunity to restore hope for the season in the Pistons fan base.