Gameday Preview: Spurs vs. Pistons

TEAM LEADERS
	Points	Rebounds	Assists
SPURS	Manu Ginobili 18.5	Tim Duncan 9.3	Tony Parker 6.7
PISTONS	Rodney Stuckey 15.3	Ben Wallace 6.6	Rodney Stuckey 4.5

The San Antonio Spurs continue their Rodeo Road Trip tonight against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Their overall nine-game road stretch began when they went 2-1 last week before returning home after Saturday's 113-100 victory at Sacramento.

The Spurs are coming off an easy win over the Sacramento Kings, building an 18-point halftime lead after losing at Portland and beating the Los Angeles Lakers. Last season, the Spurs split two tough games against the Pistons with Hamilton averaging 28 points per game.

The Pistons are on a two game win streak and are coming off a nice 89-78 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Tracy McGrady scored 20 points, Hamilton had 15 and Tayshaun Prince had 12 points for Detroit in that game. However, they are dealing with what appears to be some internal issues with their All-Star guard Rip Hamilton. Since the Carmelo Anthony trade rumors heated up, Rip has been collecting a lot of DNPs and some speculate his time in Detroit might be over.

With a win, San Antonio can become the seventh team to begin 43-8 or better. The 1996-97 NBA champion Chicago Bulls were the last team to do it, starting 45-6.

Hit the jump to find out the keys to the game for the Spurs and Pistons, and which team wins this game.

Offense -- The Spurs' balance offense and deep bench are some of the reasons for their success this season. Entering this game, five Spurs players are averaging double digits and their bench can provide solid offensive boost at any given night.

Defense -- The bulk of Detroit's offense comes from their backcourt. It will be key for the Spurs to contain Stuckey, Prince, McGrady and Hamilton on the offensive end.

PISTONS:

Offense -- The Pistons will not lack in firepower, likewise five Pistons players are averaging in double figures when they face the Spurs.

Defense -- Limit Tim Duncan inside the paint, guard the Spurs' perimeter shooters and cover Ginobili, Parker, Hill and Jefferson's dribble penetrations.

INJURIES

Spurs -- Matt Bonner - marrow edema (day-to-day)

Pistons -- Rodney Stuckey - bruised right shoulder (game time decision), Richard Hamilton - groin (day-to-day), Chis Wilcox - groin (game time decision), Jason Maxiell - back (game time decision)

PREDICTION: The Spurs are coming off a mini-break before resuming their road trip against a Pistons team who are playing well lately. On the surface, the Spurs may have the upper hand, but they should not be complacent to avoid losing to a team with a losing record.

The team that controls the boards and dictate the tempo will win this game. If the Spurs keeps their focus, this game should be an easy one. Otherwise, they could find themselves into a slug fest against the Pistons. With plenty of the rest and deeper bench, the Spurs should win this game 110-97.

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