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The Detroit Pistons are on a small run. They've won their last two games and are still fighting for the eighth spot in the East. The Charlotte Hornets still have a slight lead. If the Pistons continue to play well, they could possibly reach the Hornets and become the eighth seed. Their next opponent is a team they lost to last week. Today, the Detroit Pistons host the Sacramento Kings.
In their last two games, the Pistons hosted the Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat. The Pistons beat both Florida teams and started a small winning streak. They beat the Magic 120-115 in overtime.
Then, they beat the Heat 98-93. Blake Griffin finished the game with a double-double. He had 32 points and 11 rebounds. Griffin was one assist shy of having a triple-double. Regardless, his performance helped the Pistons beat the Heat.
Andre Drummond left the game with a nasal injury. Drummond was hit in the face by Heat player James Johnson. Johnson tried to deflect a lob pass from Blake Griffin to Andre Drummond and his arm caught Drummond.
Drummond stayed on the ground while the Heat ran the ball down the court. He left the game in the first quarter and did not return. He played a total of seven minutes. If Drummond misses the next game, the Pistons could face a setback. Griffin played well enough to help the Pistons win, but Drummond's injury could affect their performance against the Kings.
On Thursday, the Sacramento Kings lost to the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets beat the Kings 114-95. This loss puts the Kings at a record of 23-22. This is a solid record, but it places them 10th in the Western Conference.
Last week, the Kings beat the Pistons 112-102. The Kings had seven players in double figures. Buddy Hield led the Kings with 18 points. The Kings showed they could beat the Pistons and Drummond's absence could help them win this one.
The Pistons are so close to the eighth spot and could get it soon. But, if Drummond misses significant time, the Pistons could be in trouble.
Predicted starting line-ups
Pistons: Reggie Jackson (PG), Bruce Brown (SG), Reggie Bullock (SF), Blake Griffin (PF), and Zaza Pachulia (C)
Kings: De'Aaron Fox (PG), Buddy Hield (SG), Iman Shumpert (SF), Nemanja Bjelica (PF), and Willie Cauley-Stein (C)
Guess the Lakers players!
