Pistons at Wizards, 3.28.09

Matchup: Detroit Pistons (34-37) at Washington Wizards (17-56)
Spread: Pistons -6
My Pick: Pistons by 8

Three reasons the Pistons will win:

1. Return of RIP. Arron Afflalo played well in spurts, but the Piston offense badly missed Hamilton. He should be back in the lineup tonight.
2. Weak Opponent. The Pistons have been losing games, but each of their last five losses has been against a playoff team. The 17-56 Wizards might be the tonic the Pistons need.
3. PG Defense. Depending on who’s healthy, some combination of Gilbert Arenas, Javaris Crittenton, and Juan Dixon will play point guard for Washington. Rodney Stuckey and Will Bynum could each have huge games.

Three reasons the Pistons will lose:

1. No Sheed. Kwame Brown plays hard and is a strong defender, but he doesn’t have the skill set to compensate for the absence of Wallace.
2. Slumping 'Stons. The Pistons have lost eight of their last 11 games. No game, even one against the lowly Wizards, can be considered a gimme.
3. Hibachi! Gilbert Arenas is expected to return tonight. If his shot is on, he’s explosive offensively.

Update:
Final Score: Detroit 98, Washington 96
Notes:

• Kwame “Stone Hands” Brown almost cost the Pistons the game when he failed to secure a rebound on the final possession. Brown’s inability to catch passes and rebounds is easily his biggest weakness.
• Even when Amir Johnson fails to fill up the stat sheet with much more than fouls, good things happen when he’s in the game. The Pistons outscored Washington 20-16 with Johnson in the game which helped build upon his already impressive +/- numbers for the season.
• The Piston bench was awesome in the first half and terrible in the second.
• Jason Maxiell had a big game, highlighted by five offensive rebounds, two blocks, and two dunks.
• RIP returned to the lineup with a bang. The work he has put in on his three point shot has really paid off. During his first two seasons in Detroit, he made 50 threes while shooting under 27% in 160 games. Over the last four seasons, he has made more than 50 threes every year while converting 40% of his attempts. Last night, he nailed five triples on his way to 31 points.
• JaVale McGee is absurdly athletic.