Cavs hope mini-vacation helps vs Pistons

Key Match-Up

Cavs bigs v Detroit bigs

The difference in the first game was Pistons big man Andre Drummond. The Cavaliers fought hard but ultimately Drummond’s monster game was the difference. Drummond has had 20+ rebounds five time this season, Detroit is (2-3) in those games.
While Drummond’s rebounding doesn’t always win Detroit games, it does allow them to stick around in games.

The Cavaliers have improved defensively since they began starting Larry Nance Jr and Tristian Thompson together, but Detroit presents a difficult challenge for them. Blake Griffin is the engine that makes the Pistons go, while Drummond is the one who breathes life into empty possecions.

Much the same way Thompson does for the Cavaliers, Drummond is there to clean things up. Larry Nance Jr will be tasked with guarding the very athletic Griffin. The Pistons front court will be key Monday night, as their guards have been suspect to start this season. Detroit is only shooting (31.3) from three, and only (42.8) from the field.

This is a good sign for the Cavaliers as they too have struggled to shoot from distance. If this game is won inside the Cavs have a much better chance than they would if they had to out shoot someone.

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