San Antonio Spurs at Detroit Pistons Tips & Live Stream - The future of Detroit basketball is now

Possibly the biggest surprise of this NBA season, the Detroit Pistons are on their way to securing a direct playoff spot. 

They need a few more wins to seal the deal, and their next challenge comes against another talented team that has struggled with the health of its best player.

Can the Spurs, without Victor Wembanyama, pull off an upset against a strong opponent?

Detroit Pistons Form & Team News

With a 136-130 win over the Pelicans, the Pistons have all but secured the 6th spot in the East, while still having an outside chance to chase the Bucks and Pacers for a higher position.

Even this result feels like a dream season for the Detroit Pistons, who have made the playoffs only twice in the last 15 years.

Key veteran additions like Tobias Harris and Dennis Schroder have played a major role in mentoring young talents such as Jalen Duren, Cade Cunningham, and Ausar Thompson, helping turn the team around.

Cade Cunningham leads the team in scoring with 25.7 points per game, followed by Jaden Ivey with 17.6. Jalen Duren is the top rebounder, averaging 10.3 boards per game.

However, Cunningham and Ivey will miss this game due to injuries, and they will be joined on the sidelines by veteran Tim Hardaway Jr., who is dealing with an ankle issue.

San Antonio Spurs Form & Team News

The Spurs took a similar approach to the Pistons by adding veteran leadership, bringing in legendary point guard Chris Paul and reliable forward Harrison Barnes.

They were expected to support Victor Wembanyama, one of the most hyped prospects in NBA history, but a shoulder injury has sidelined the French star for the rest of the season.

Despite that, San Antonio has been in good form lately, winning four of their last five games. However, with the team sitting 13th in the West, their Play-In hopes are fading fast, and there’s little pressure in terms of results.

Along with Wembanyama, their biggest trade addition, De’Aaron Fox, is out with a finger injury, while Charles Bassey and Blake Minix will also miss this game.

Head to Head

This is the first head-to-head matchup of the season, with their last meeting taking place over a year ago when the Pistons defeated the Spurs in Texas, 125-110.