Team Records: Toronto Raptors (20-6, 7-3 on road) vs. Detroit Pistons (5-21, 2-12 at home)
Where to Watch: Sportsnet One
He laughed at accidental sirens that broke the evening gloom
The police had warned of repercussions
They followed none too soon
A trickle of strangers were all that were left alive
Panic in Detroit, I asked for an autograph
He wanted to stay home, I wish someone would phone
I could take the easy way out and simply use the following piece of footage for this game preview......
But I won't.
The Palace at Auburn Hills is one more Brandon Jennings turnaround jumper away from becoming a certified looney bin. A 2-12 record at home would make anyone a little bit nuts, but it's plays like that which send you over the deep end for good.
Trade rumors continue to circulate around Jennings and Josh Smith. Coach Stan Van Gundy can't seem to figure out what role he wants for Greg Monroe. Wins are as sparse as Raptor fans who love the new logo design.
It's ugly. It's Los Angeles Lakers ugly, minus the horrifying contract to tie it all together.
*remembers Smith is getting paid $14 million a year*
Well my face is red.
Andre Drummond, the No. 9 pick in 2012 behind Terrence Ross, is a team unto himself in terms of his ability on the glass. He's averaging 12.3 rebounds with 14 double-doubles this season. He also averaged 14.0 boards against Toronto a year ago.
Keeping him at bay around the rim will fall on the shoulders of Jonas Valanciunas, who has four double-doubles in his last six outings. Not the easiest of tasks, but it's certainly not impossible.
This is the part where I remind you that the Pistons are full of prideful professional athletes who won't lay down at the feet of the Eastern Conference-leading Raptors. Remember the loss to Los Angeles on Nov. 30? How about the close call against New York on Dec. 14?
Win No. 21 is there for the taking, folks. It's just a matter of execution now.
Is this one in the bag? How do you think the Raptors will fare against Detroit later this evening? Leave your comments below and enjoy tonight's festivities!