Pistons at Bobcats
THE STORY: The Detroit Pistons are ending the season with optimism and it has nothing to do with their on-court performance. The franchise was sold to billionaire Tom Gores on Friday, ending a long period of uncertainty as the Davidson family shopped the club to potential buyers. The Pistons have also won two straight games heading into Sunday’s road contest against the Charlotte Bobcats. Detroit needs to win two of its final three games to reach the 30-win mark. Charlotte is sinking in the wrong direction with five straight losses. The Bobcats were recently eliminated from playoff consideration.
TV: 6 p.m. ET, FSD
ABOUT THE BOBCATS (32-47): Charlotte has struggled since losing leading scorer Stephen Jackson (18.5 points per game) to a hamstring injury. Jackson has missed each game of the losing skid that continued with Friday’s 112-103 loss to the Miami Heat. It won’t be a surprise if Jackson doesn’t play again before the season concludes. Center Kwame Brown had 23 points and 13 rebounds against Miami for his first double-double since March 9. Guard Gerald Henderson scored just four points and fouled out against Miami two nights after scoring a career-best 32 points against the Orlando Magic. The Bobcats visit New Jersey on Monday and close the season Wednesday by hosting the Atlanta Hawks.
ABOUT THE PISTONS (28-51): The road and the Pistons have been a bad mix as Detroit has lost all 11 road games it has played since the All-Star break. The Pistons’ last road victory was 103-94 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Feb. 9. Detroit is just 7-32 on the road. The Pistons notched a 110-100 home victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday behind a huge game from forward Chris Wilcox, who registered season-highs for both points (27) and rebounds (13). Guard Rodney Stuckey added 22 points. The Pistons had lost seven of eight games prior to the two-game winning streak over New Jersey and Milwaukee.
WHO'S HOT/WHO’S NOT: Brown is averaging 15.7 points and shooting 63.3 percent over the last three contests. Detroit center Greg Monroe is averaging 16 points and 9.3 rebounds over the past four games. Charlotte forward Dante Cunningham is shooting just 35.3 percent over the last four games. Pistons guard Tracy McGrady is averaging just four points over his last five outings.
KEY STATISTIC: Charlotte is averaging just 92.4 points during its five-game losing skid. The Pistons have allowed 100 or more points in six straight games, giving up an average of 104.8.
SEASON SERIES: Charlotte is 2-1 against Detroit, winning 105-100 at home on Dec. 27 and 97-87 in Detroit on Feb. 2. The Pistons recorded a 97-90 home victory on Nov. 5.
KEY INJURIES: DETROIT: C Ben Wallace (knee); G Will Bynum (calf); F Jonas Jerebko (Achilles’ tendon); G Terrico White (foot). CHARLOTTE: G Stephen Jackson (hamstring); F Tyrus Thomas (knee); G Shaun Livingston (back); F Eduardo Najera (back); C Joel Przybilla (knee); C DeSagana Diop (Achilles’ tendon).
LAST WORD: “I know it’s been a long process and I appreciate the patience and support of the Detroit community. I have been impressed with the Davidson family and the way it has protected and built such a storied franchise. I grew up here, I am glad to be back, and I am very excited about all the possibilities looking forward.” – Pending team owner Tom Gores after reaching an agreement to buy the Pistons on Friday.