Blazers Seek Improbable Win on Road Trip Against Pistons

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ICARO Media Group
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01/11/2023 20h54

The Portland Trail Blazers are aiming to secure an unlikely victory on their road trip as they take on the Detroit Pistons. After a hard-fought win against the Toronto Raptors, the Blazers have a chance to turn their road trip into a winning streak, a feat that seemed improbable just a few days ago.

In their previous game, the Blazers relied on impressive performances from Deandre Ayton and Jerami Grant, who contributed 23 rebounds and 22 points, respectively. Malcolm Brogdon also chipped in with 21 points to clinch a satisfying 99-91 victory. Now, the Blazers are determined to carry this momentum forward and achieve success on the road.

The Pistons, standing at 2-2 for the season, have shown great improvement compared to the previous year. Last season, it took them 11 games to secure three wins, but this time around, they have a chance to achieve the same feat in just five games. While results are important, it's evident that the Pistons have made significant strides, posing a challenge to teams across the NBA.

The matchup between the Trail Blazers and the Pistons is set to take place on Wednesday, November 1 at 4:00 p.m. PT. Fans can catch the action on TV through Root Sports or NBA League Pass. Furthermore, the SBN Affiliate, Detroit Bad Boys, is also covering the game.

One player to watch out for is Jalen Duren of the Pistons. Duren has made an impressive start to his sophomore season, averaging 15.5 points and 13.2 rebounds per game. This marks a significant improvement from his stats last season, where he averaged 9.1 points and 8.9 rebounds. Duren's partnership with Cade Cunningham will prove crucial, keeping Deandre Ayton occupied in defending the paint. While Duren may score more points, Ayton's rebounding prowess will also be a factor to watch in determining the game's outcome.

A key aspect that could influence the game is turnovers and fouls. Both teams have struggled in these areas, with the Blazers averaging 16.5 turnovers and 22.3 fouls per game, ranking 25th and 24th in the NBA, respectively. However, the Pistons fare even worse, averaging 18.8 turnovers and 23.8 fouls, claiming the 29th and 30th spots, respectively. While it's unlikely that the Blazers will completely eliminate turnovers or fouls, they should have an advantage over the Pistons in these categories, giving them an edge.

Shooting from beyond the arc could also play a significant role in the game. The Blazers currently rank as the second-worst team in the NBA for three-point shooting, with a disappointing 28.5% success rate. Scoot Henderson has particularly struggled, shooting a mere 5.6% from behind the arc. Jerami Grant hasn't fared much better, hitting just 19% of his three-point attempts. On the other hand, the Pistons, despite not attempting many threes, have displayed efficiency, converting 40.7% of their shots from deep, placing them fourth in the league. This could pose a challenge for the Blazers, especially if they find themselves playing catch-up during the game.

As the young talent on both teams continues to grow and develop, the relationship between Cunningham and Duren becomes vital. This reliable go-to halfcourt set, such as the pick-and-roll, can create opportunities for their teammates. The duo's experience on the Team USA Select Team during the summer has further strengthened their bond.

Despite initial skepticism from fans about the acquisitions of Joe Harris and Monte Morris, the Pistons have shown promise. Unfortunately, Harris has struggled, averaging under two points per game and shooting a low 20% from the three-point line. The lack of expected impact from Harris has caused disappointment among supporters. However, the Pistons are beginning to display signs of growth, as they proved their worth in a recent game against a formidable opponent, sharing the floor confidently with one of the hottest teams from April to June.

Both the Blazers and the Pistons are determined to continue their positive momentum and secure a significant victory in this matchup. The outcome will depend on factors such as turnovers, fouls, and shooting efficiency from behind the arc. Fans can anticipate an intriguing battle between these two teams as they strive for success on the court.

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