Lakers vs. Pistons Preview: Test against the best in the East

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Lakers (20–10) vs. Pistons (24–8) | Game 31 of 82

Where to Watch and What Time

📅 Date: Tuesday, Dec. 30

⏰ Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. PST

📍 Location: Crypto.com Arena — Los Angeles, Calif

📺 TV: Spectrum SportsNet

📻 Radio: ESPN LA 710 / 1330 KWKW

Game Preview

The Los Angeles Lakers will be put to the test on Tuesday, facing off against the new era bad boy Detroit Pistons, who hold the best record in the East at 24-8.

The Lakers are 20-10 at the 30-game mark of the season and are coming off a 24-point blowout win over the Kings on Sunday, making them 13-3 against teams under .500 this season. But against teams with winning records has been where the Lakers have had their most losses and issues, especially against teams that are fast and athletic.

L.A. is 7-7 against teams above .500 this season, while Detroit is 7-3.

They face a Pistons team that is looking to get back in the win column, coming off a 13-point loss to the Clippers on Sunday, where Kawhi Leonard notched a career-high 55 points.

In that game, the Pistons made just seven 3s and shot 24% from behind the arc. Detroit is coming off of two straight losses, the first time they've done so all season, and will look to get back on track with a point of emphasis on Tuesday in L.A.

"I told our group this the other day: 'We're the Lakers. Everybody is going to have their best against us; everybody is going to try their best against us.' I don't think it matters if it's coming off a win or a loss," coach JJ Redick said on the Pistons' losses coming in.

The Pistons are 11-6 on the road this season, while the Lakers are 8-5 at Crypto.com Arena

The Opponent and Their Top Dogs

Detroit’s resurgence has been built on defense, toughness and a roster that’s powered by young star Cade Cunningham at the forefront.

Cunningham has leaped into All-Star territory, serving as the engine of Detroit’s offense with his size, vision and shot creation, averaging 26.5 points and 9.6 assists a game. He has slowed down after a hot start to the season. In Nov., Cunningham had 30 or more points in six of his first 12 games

Up front, Jalen Duren anchors the paint and should be a great test and fun matchup to see against Deandre Ayton. Duren has been a double-double machine with the fifth most this season, marking 18 in 29 games.

Ausar Thompson brings a unique style of tough defensive identity with his elite ability to cover all positions and his explosive athleticism on the other end. He's averaged 11.7 points and 6.0 rebounds a game.

A big part in the Pistons' success this season has been their depth on the bench. They have six players on the bench who averaged at least six or more points a game this season, facing off against one of the worst scoring benches in the NBA in the Lakers.

Notable Opponent Ranks Among the NBA

The Pistons have the 8th-rated (116.9) offense and the second-best-rated (110.9) defense in the NBA. Here are some notable (good and meh) rankings of where they sit among the league.

The Pistons are where they're at among the best in the league because of the many different ways they can hurt you. They are in the top five in points off turnovers (third), points in the paint (2nd), fastbreak points (3rd) and second chance points (4th).

All areas the Lakers have struggled doing and stopping this season.

Detroit currently sits:

No. 1 in the NBA in blocks a game (6.2)
3rd in steals (10 a game)
8th in FG% in the NBA (47.8%)
24th 3P% in the NBA (34.7%)
2nd in the NBA in FTs a game (28.2), but have the 2nd-worst FT% at 74.4%

Injury Report

Rui Hachimura was added to the injury report on Monday, but backup center Jaxson Hayes was taken off as he will make his needed return against the Pistons.

Lakers: