NBA 2018-19, Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons: Predicted starting lineups and match prediction
After their three-game win streak came to and end with the loss against the San Antonio Spurs, the Detroit Pistons will travel to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena. The Pistons, who lead the regular-season series 2-0, will be looking to clinch the series with a win tomorrow.
Match details
When: 2 March 2019, 5:00 PM ET
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
Watch: Fox Sports
The Detroit Pistons' perspective
The Detroit Pistons did a great job by not listening to the fans and doing what's best for business i.e. keep Reggie Jackson off the trade offers.
A lot of fans and analysts wanted the Pistons to trade Jackson as the 28-year-old has not been very great for the Pistons for the most part of the season. Even though he has still scored in double-figures, he has not been great at shooting.
However, Jackson has started repaying the trust shown in him by being more consistent. He is averaging 19.7 points and 4.8 assists per game in the last 10 games.
While Blake Griffin continues to do Blake Griffin things, Andre Drummond, whose performance had dropped off significantly before the concussion protocol, has started to explode after returning back. In the last 12 games, Andre has averaged 22.4 points, 16 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 2.2 blocks per game on 65.7 percent shooting.
The predicted Detroit Pistons' starting line-up:
Blake Griffin (F), Andre Drummond (C), Bruce Brown (G), Reggie Jackson (G) and Wayne Ellington (G)
The Cleveland Cavaliers' perspective
The Cleveland Cavaliers are already out of the playoffs contention, and this is the first time in many years that their season will come to an early end. However, Kevin Love has finally returned to the team after missing 50 games due to toe injury, and that is something for the fans to be happy about.
The Cavs boast a 4-2 record in their last six games, and with a good schedule that is very lenient to them, they can further better their record. Players like Collin Sexton and Cedi Osman continue to get better for the team as they have shown what they are capable of doing in their last few wins.
Predicted Cleveland Cavaliers' starting line-up:
Kevin Love (F), Cedi Osman (F), Larry Nance Jr. (F), Brandon Knight (G) and Collin Sexton (G)
Facts and Statistics
Detroit Pistons Last 10: W-L 7-3
Cleveland Cavaliers Last 10: W-L 4-6
Last match-up on 19th Nov 2018: Pistons 113 – Cavaliers 102
How things might unfold
The Pistons have a better roster than the Cavaliers and have also been more consistent throughout the year. Throw in the fact that they are 7-3 in their last 10 games and have stormed back into the playoffs picture, they are clearly the favorites to win the contest.
Prediction
Detroit Pistons to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers.