Detroit Pistons is on the second longest losing streak in the NBA at nine games, while the Boston Celtics have lost five in a row themselves, and their last six at home. This is the longest home losing streak Boston has had since the 2006-2007 season, where they lost a franchise-worst 13 home games in a row.
Both teams go into this game hoping to end their skids, and might see this game as their best opportunity in the nearest future, especially the Pistons since their schedule looks quite brutal in December.
For Detroit, it's the offense that seems to be falling apart. They get good looks, but fail to put the ball in the hoop. According to head coach Stan Van Gundy, they struggle mentally.
”We're really messed up right now. I mean we're really messed up as a team,” he said following last night's loss against the Los Angeles Lakers.
It remains to be seen whether it will help them tonight since they go up against one of the worst defensive teams in the league.
In many of their games, Boston has looked like a sprint race horse trying to go a stayer distance, storming out of the gates and keeping ahead for the first two or three quarters, but losing in the end. After last night's loss in Atlanta head coach Brad Stevens touched on the matter.
”When it comes easy, we've been good. When things get tough, we haven't. Simple formula.”
He also talked a lot about the physical aspects of the game, and said that his team needs to improve in that area.
Tonight, it's a back-to-back game for both teams, and both had to travel after last night's game, so the outcome may be decided by stamina, both physical and mental.
