Pistons Look to End Road Trip on High Note Against Nuggets

The Detroit Pistons are set to conclude their challenging western road trip with a formidable matchup against Nikola Jokic and the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets. The Pistons, currently holding the NBA’s worst record, have faced setbacks in all three games of the road trip, most recently falling to the Golden State Warriors with a score of 113-109.

Denver, tied for second in the Western Conference, is coming off a surprising loss to the Orlando Magic, and they aim to rebound against Detroit. In their previous meeting on November 20 in Detroit, the Nuggets secured a 107-103 victory despite Jokic being ejected late in the first half and the absence of Jamal Murray. The win marked the Pistons’ 12th consecutive loss, part of a record 28-game losing streak.

Nikola Jokic, the league’s reigning MVP and Finals MVP, is currently in exceptional form, boasting an impressive 82.5% shooting accuracy over the past five games. With averages of 26.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 9.1 assists this season, Jokic poses a significant challenge for the struggling Pistons.

Rookie sensation Cade Cunningham has been a bright spot for Detroit, scoring 30 or more points in five of the last six games. Averaging 23.4 points and 7.3 assists, Cunningham has showcased his talent and consistency throughout the season, competing in all 35 games.

As the Pistons aim to salvage a positive outcome from the road trip, they will face the Nuggets at their peak, led by the formidable Nikola Jokic. Following this game, Detroit will return home to take on the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.

Pistons lineup:

G Cade Cunningham, G Jaden Ivey, F Bojan Bogdanovic, F Isaiah Livers, C Jalen Duren.

Nuggets lineup:

G Jamal Murray, G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, F Michael Porter Jr., F Aaron Gordon, C Nikola Jokic.

As the Pistons seek a turnaround, they face a tough test against the Nuggets, and all eyes will be on the matchup between rising star Cade Cunningham and the dominant force of Nikola Jokic.