Detroit's offense has a second starting point when Thompson handles the ball and Cunningham moves away from the first defender. Boston can respond through Tatum, White and Pritchard while Robinson and Queta contest Duren's touches. The game should turn on paint access, the next defensive rebound and the quality of the shot after it. Both sides have ways to answer an early lead.
Detroit used Thompson as another initiator against a near rotation Minnesota group, while Duren finished strongly around the rim and Collins added a kickout target. That makes Walsh's expected work on Cunningham only one part of Boston's defensive job. Tatum returns with several scoring partners, and Robinson and Queta give Boston size, though their opener roles are still taking shape. Prince was questionable but played in Detroit's last match; Carter missed Boston's last match. With Detroit's established core and the newer second playmaking route, I'm siding with the Pistons at home.
