The Detroit Pistons visit the Denver Nuggets in an interconference matchup that also features a clash of styles.

Catch the game this Wednesday, January 28th, at 10:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Detroit Pistons (33-11, 14-6 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • Cade Cunningham
  • Duncan Robinson
  • Ausar Thompson
  • Tobias Harris
  • Jalen Duren

The Pistons’ resurgence continues. They remain as the East’s no. 1 seed, and are on a hot stretch as per usual. They are 8-2 over their last 10 games with a +11.5 net rating.

The tandem of All-Star playmaker Cade Cunningham (25.4 PPG, 9.7 APG) and big man Jalen Duren (17.8 PPG, 10.6 RPG) each have intriguing matchups and should headline the attack. Both are also double-double machines.

There’s plenty of help in the second-tier. Ausar Thompson’s progression has sort of slowed down, but make no mistake about it: he’s a force on defense and had hoop intangibles you just can’t help but like. Sharpshooter Duncan Robinson, meanwhile, spreads the floor for everyone, while Tobias Harris is their resident vet that can still contribute fairly.

Detroit boasts one of the top defenses in the league, ranking top three in points allowed and defensive rating.

HOME: Denver Nuggets (31-15, 12-8 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Jamal Murray
  • Tim Hardaway Jr.
  • Peyton Watson
  • Aaron Gordon
  • Zeke Nnaji

The Nuggets come in having won six of their last eight games, where they have a tight, +0.7 net rating. The Nikola Jokic-less lineup looks sharp for the most part, which should be scary for the league.

Jamal Murray has raised his numbers with his superstar big man sidelined as he’s at 26.0 PPG – he may finally see his first All-Star nod this February, a long time coming. Aaron Gordon hasn’t really gotten much out of the expanded role, but he’s been solid considering he’s coming off an injury, putting up 17.7 PPG on the season. 

Role player Peyton Watson missed the last game and is questionable. He’s a guy to watch out for nonetheless. He’s proving to have a larger part even after Jokic returns. The fourth year forward is at 23.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game on 50.5% shooting (45.7% from 3) since Joker’s absence (13 games).

Denver has maintained a high-octane offense, slotting at top 2 in both points per game and offensive rating.

PICKS

Spread: Nuggets (+6.5)
Over/Under: Over (216.5)