Neither the Detroit Pistons nor the Memphis Grizzlies had the season they hoped for last year. However, both teams have given their fans reason for optimism ahead of their matchup in Detroit on Wednesday.
Detroit is rebounding from a franchise-worst 14-68 campaign, which included a single-season NBA record of 28 consecutive losses. Led by first-year head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the Pistons have already secured eight wins this year, a mark they didn’t reach until February 8th last season.
The Grizzlies, coming off three straight postseason appearances, lost 55 games last year largely due to superstar Ja Morant’s absence for most of the season because of a suspension and a season-ending shoulder injury. This season, Memphis seems to have regained its form, holding the fifth-best record in the Western Conference.
The Pistons are coming off a 102-100 home win over the Toronto Raptors on Monday, secured by Jaden Ivey’s buzzer-beating midrange jumper. Ivey led Detroit with 25 points and eight assists, as they outscored Toronto 30-20 in the fourth quarter. Ivey is second on the team with an average of 18.4 points per game, trailing only Cade Cunningham’s 23.5.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have won three consecutive games and are aiming for their longest win streak of the early season. On Monday, they led from start to finish in a 123-98 home victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Morant, who had missed eight games due to a hip injury, returned with 22 points and 11 assists in just 23 minutes.
Morant is averaging 20.8 points per game in his nine appearances this season. Jaren Jackson Jr. leads Memphis with 22.8 points per game and contributed 21 points, six rebounds, and three blocks in the win over Portland.
The Grizzlies also got a significant boost from Santi Aldama, who scored 13 points and grabbed a season-high 17 rebounds off the bench. Aldama is averaging career highs of 12.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
