Grizzlies at Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are staggering with three consecutive defeats, but coach Stan Van Gundy delivered the biggest beating with his own verbal assault. The feisty coach of the Pistons will be looking for a better effort against the visiting Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday after his team absorbed a dismal 113-82 loss to Chicago two days earlier.
Van Gundy is disturbed by a defense that has allowed an average of 113.3 points during the skid and even more upset about the poor effort he witnessed in the loss to Chicago. "It was a disgusting performance," he told reporters. "By all of us, me included. It was unprofessional, embarrassing, humiliating, whatever you want to say. It was terrible." Memphis has dropped three straight games - all at home - and the contest in Detroit begins a stretch during which it plays nine of 12 on the road. The Grizzlies fell 112-109 in overtime to Boston on Tuesday despite receiving 24 points apiece from center Marc Gasol and backup guard Troy Daniels.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Memphis), FSN Detroit
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (18-12): Small forward Chandler Parsons is expected back on the court after missing more than a month due to an injury to his left knee. The 28-year-old has played in just six games this season - averaging 7.7 points - due to injuries and will be on a minutes restriction upon his return. "I can't wait to get out there with my teammates," Parsons told ESPN.com. "They've done a great job without me. I look forward to helping in any way that I can."
ABOUT THE PISTONS (14-16): Point guard Reggie Jackson certainly was one of the targets of Van Gundy's complaints as he attempted just five shots while recording seven points and three assists against the Bulls. Jackson said the low number of shots was due to Van Gundy's offensive calls, but the coach denied that and said, "that wasn't us, that was him." The small amount of attempts was glaring after Jackson put up 15 or more shots in four of his previous five games.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Grizzlies have won 12 of the last 13 meetings.
2. Memphis PG Mike Conley is just 11-of-39 shooting in three games since returning from a back injury.
3. Detroit PF Marcus Morris is averaging 5.7 points on 7-of-24 shooting during the losing streak.