Pistons vs. Nuggets Preview: Detroit Looks to Ride Momentum into Mile High Matchup
The Detroit Pistons are heading west with a bit of swagger in their step. After dismantling the Sacramento Kings by 23 points just two nights ago, Detroit now shifts its focus to a cross-conference clash with the Denver Nuggets. At 33-11 on the season and boasting a strong 14-6 record on the road, this will be the Pistons’ first game away from Little Caesars Arena in their last three outings-and they’re bringing some serious momentum with them.
Cade Cunningham Back in Command
The biggest storyline out of Detroit’s recent win? Cade Cunningham looked like Cade Cunningham again.
After battling through a wrist injury that had been affecting his efficiency, the Pistons’ floor general came alive against Sacramento, dropping 29 points and dishing out 11 assists in a sharp, confident performance. He looked in rhythm, in control, and most importantly-healthy.
When Cunningham is operating at full strength, this Pistons team feels whole. His ability to orchestrate the offense, make plays for others, and create his own shot gives Detroit a dynamic edge, especially on the road. With Cade back in form, the Pistons look ready to test themselves against the reigning champs.
Denver’s Injury Woes Continue
On the other side, the Nuggets are in survival mode. Denver’s been hit with one of the roughest injury stretches in the league recently, and it’s showing. They’ve gone 3-2 over their last five games-all without Nikola Jokic-and while they’ve managed to stay afloat, the cracks are visible.
Their most recent game, a scheduled matchup against Memphis, was postponed due to weather. So the last time Denver took the court, they eked out a gritty 102-100 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
That win, given the circumstances, was impressive. No Jokic.
No Jamal Murray. No Aaron Gordon.
And yet, they found a way.
Julian Strawther stepped up big in that one, scoring 20 points on 6-of-13 shooting in a surprise breakout performance. With Murray sidelined, Strawther was thrust into a larger role, and he delivered. But with so many key players still out, the Nuggets will need more than one role player to rise to the occasion tonight.
Injury Report: Two Very Different Pictures
Detroit comes into this matchup relatively healthy. Caris LeVert is still out due to illness, which limits their bench scoring a bit, but otherwise, the Pistons are intact. A few players remain on G-League assignment, but the core rotation is ready to go.
Denver, however, is a different story. Jokic remains sidelined, and he’s not alone.
Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cam Johnson are also out, leaving the Nuggets severely shorthanded. There’s a chance Jonas Valanciunas (calf) and Jamal Murray (hamstring/hip) will suit up, but both are listed as probable and could be limited.
Despite the adversity, Denver’s found ways to stay competitive-but against a deep, confident Pistons squad, they’ll need everything they’ve got.
Detroit’s Depth Could Be the Difference
Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised his team’s energy and execution after Sunday’s blowout win, particularly the bench unit.
“I think they played well all night,” Bickerstaff said. “They picked up the tempo, got out in transition, but they were generating stops also.
And from that group, everybody that was there contributed. So, they've been that for us all year long, and nothing changed tonight.”
That kind of trust from the coaching staff matters, especially in a game like this. With Denver’s rotation depleted, Detroit’s ability to go deeper into their bench could be the key. Expect Bickerstaff to keep the tempo up and lean into his team’s depth advantage.
Player to Watch: Jamal Murray
If Jamal Murray is able to suit up, he’ll be the focal point for Denver. With so many starters out, the Nuggets will need Murray to carry the scoring load-and that’s something he’s more than capable of doing. Averaging 26 points per game this season, Murray ranks 13th in the league in scoring and thrives in high-usage situations.
But he’s also just coming off injury, and the Pistons know that. Detroit’s defense will likely key in on him early, throwing different looks and trying to disrupt his rhythm.
If Murray can find his groove, Denver’s got a shot. If not, it could be a long night for the home team.
Final Thought
This game has all the ingredients for a classic road test. A surging Pistons squad with a healthy star in Cade Cunningham.
A battered but proud Nuggets team trying to hold the line. And a deep Detroit bench ready to make its mark.
Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET. Buckle up-this one could get interesting.