Pistons vs. Bulls, 4.13.09

I will be participating in a Live Blog (link) on PistonPowered.com during the game. Piston Powered is a Detroit Piston's blog that is a part of the ESPN.com TrueHoop blog network. During the Live Blog, I will discuss the game, the state of the team, and will be available to answer questions. Thanks to Dan Feldman of Piston Powered for helping set this up.

Matchup: Detroit Pistons (39-41) vs. Chicago Bulls (40-40)
Spread: Pistons -4
My Pick: Pistons by 5

Three reasons the Pistons will win:

1. No More Noc. The Pistons had to be thrilled to see Andres Nocioni sent to the Western Conference. Nocioni. Nocioni averaged 17.3 points with a ridiculous 67.9% effective field goal percentage in his last nine games against Detroit.
2. Return to Health. RIP Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace did not play when the Pistons fell to the Bulls in March. With those two back, Detroit should play much better tonight.
3. Homecourt Edge. The home team has won the first three meetings of the season between these teams. As hot as the Bulls have been, they team has had most of its success at home. The Bulls have dropped nine of their last 11 road games, with the only wins coming against doormats Oklahoma City and Washington.

Three reasons the Pistons will lose:

1. Midseason Acquisitions. Brad Miller and John Salmons, who allegedly was Joe Dumars’ backup plan in the 2002 draft had Tayshaun Prince not been available, have led the Bulls to an 11-3 record in their last 14 games. The two players acquired from Sacramento have been the Bulls’ best players during that stretch.
2. Ben Gordon. The notoriously streaky shooter is locked in right now. He has averaged 24.6 points in his last 7 games as he auditions for a new contract. He is 11-20 from behind the long line in the last two games.
3. Tyrus Thomas. Chicago’s developing young forward saves his best for games against Detroit. The Bulls have beaten Detroit twice this year because Thomas has averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds in those games.

Update:
Final Score: Detroit 88, Chicago 91
Notes:

• The Pistons led most of the second half, but the offense went cold down the stretch. The Pistons scored just three points in the final 5:57.
• A first round date with Cleveland is assured, as is the 15th pick in 2009 draft.
• Once again, Amir Johnson received a healthy DNP.
• Derrick Rose put an exclamation point on a season which will earn him Rookie of the Year honors.
• The Pistons failed to match the overall quickness the Bulls possess.
• Detroit’s bench was very quiet in the loss.
• Ben Gordon is a poor defender, but his jump shot is flawless. Few shoot better than Gordon off the dribble.
• Rodney Stuckey had a nice game, but the shot he had blocked in the final minute was a shot he should never have taken. Either Michael Curry diagrammed a terrible play or Stuckey made a very costly decision.