Pistons vs. Knicks, 3.11.09

Matchup: Detroit Pistons (32-30) vs New York Knicks (26-37)
Spread: Pistons -6.5
My Pick: Pistons by 7

Three reasons the Pistons will win:

1. The Knicks Stink. The Knicks have lost 12 of their last 17 games. They are 8-22 on the road. 2010 can’t arrive soon enough for this franchise.
2. Chris Duhon. He starts at point guard for the Knicks. Duhon has an OK all-around game, but does not do anything well enough to merit a starting spot.
3. Larry Hughes. Hughes has had to carry the offensive load for the Knicks lately. That would have been fine a few in 2005. Since then, he’s had more surgeries than productive seasons.

Three reasons the Pistons will lose:

1. No Sheed. Sheed is out two games with a strained calf. The Pistons will miss his defense and shooting abilities.
2. The RFAs. Nate Robinson and David Lee are the two best players on the Knicks. Both are also working for new contracts. Detroit has a ton of impending cap flexibility, so they should be motivated to impress tonight.
3. Weak Bench. The Piston’s already thin bench is losing its best player – Jason Maxiell – to the starting lineup tonight. Hopefully Curry is smart enough to play Amir Johnson. As well as Kwame Brown played against Orlando, there is no Dwight Howard for him to guard tonight

Update:
Final Score: Detroit 111, New York 116 (OT)
Notes:

• The Knicks absolutely stole one in the Detroit. A weak bench (coach included) killed the Pistons tonight. Everyone but Antonio McDyess ran out of gas for the fourth quarter and overtime. 51 minutes for Tayshaun Prince.
• Jason Maxiell was non-existent. He is a nice backup, but is not starter material.
• Mike D’Antoni used a trapping scheme that the Pistons, specifically RIP, never seemed to figure out. The Pistons needed Rasheed to beat that trap.
• The Knicks overcame a 25 rebound deficit by committing just three turnovers. RIP nearly tripled that total on his own.
• What exactly does Larry Hughes do well? Chris Duhon? Wilson Chandler? Quentin Richardson? The fact that Mike D’Antoni took this job speaks volumes about the power of the dollar.
• What RIP does well: make open jumpers. He is averaging over 25 points per game in his last eight.
• What Antonio McDyess does well: rebound. He has 40 in the last two games.
• One theory on D’Antoni’s otherwise bizarre decision not to start its best perimeter player – Nate Robinson: the Knicks may want to reduce his contract offers this summer by making teams question his ability to start.