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The Detroit Pistons are fighting hard to make it to the postseason, after falling short in each of their last two seasons. At 26-30, they are currently at the eighth spot in East and with the regular season in its final stages, they need to be more consistent to give themselves a chance of going to the playoffs.
After registering four straight wins, they dropped the game against the Boston Celtics before entering the All-Star weekend. The regular-season series against the Miami Heat is currently tied at one apiece, with the Heat not far behind the Pistons in the standings.
Match Details:
Detroit Pistons (27-30) vs Miami Heat (26-31)
When: 24th February 2019, 6:00 am IST
Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami
The Detroit Pistons' perspective
The Detroit Pistons continue to get better with time, and this might be the season where they finally make it to the playoffs once again after missing out two straight seasons. The duo of Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin have been stellar this season, and they are the main reason why the team is still in the playoffs picture this late into the season.
Drummond is averaging a monster double-double over the season with 17.4 points and 15.0 rebounds per game. He is also leading the league in rebounds per game and has been an absolute beast in the paint.
The Pistons have a relatively easier schedule ahead and converting them to wins can boost their confidence and also help them move up in the ladder. The Orlando Magic and Miami Heat are definitely going to make a run to get that eighth spot and therefore, it is very important for the Pistons to stay consistent.
The predicted Detroit Pistons' starting line-up:
Blake Griffin (F), Bruce Brown (F), Andre Drummond (C), Reggie Jackson (G) and Wayne Ellington (G)
The Miami Heat's perspective
This is a very memorable season for the Miami Heat as their franchise player, Dwyane Wade returned to the franchise for his final NBA season. The Heat have played some great basketball and have a team that can trouble any opposition. However, they have just not been able to convert the starts, and find themselves at the 10th spot in East.
The Heat are coming off a tough loss against the Philadelphia 76ers, and their starting power forward, James Johnson left the game due to a shoulder injury and did not return. The loss ended their six-game road trip 2-4.
They will now be back at home to host the Detroit Pistons for the first of their three-game homestand.
The predicted Miami Heat starting line-up:
Kelly Olynyk (F), Josh Richardson (F), Hassan Whiteside (C), Justise Winslow (G) and Dion Waiters (G)
How the things might unfold
The two teams are evenly matched and the match can go either way. However, Dwyane Wade can be the difference-maker in this game just like in their most recent game, where he scored 20 points in the loss, and help this team get closer to the playoffs.
Playing at home, the Heat definitely have an edge over the Pistons and are more likely to defend their home court. Also, the Pistons will be on the second night of a back-to-back road journey and it will not be easy for them in Miami.
Prediction
Miami Heat for the win.
