Detroit at Denver

Stan Van Gundy has had a lot of success as an NBA coach with a career .641 winning percentage. But, let's face it, he had a lot more to work with than this Detroit Pistons team that has not had a winning season in six straight years. The Pistons won just 29 games last season, and went 8-24 down the stretch so they certainly did not show improvement. The defense allowed 105 points per game and until they find means to deal with that they are going to struggle. Denver picked up Arron Afflalo (again) who has improved his scoring in each of his seven years in the league, and should help boost a team in need of three-point shooting as he connected on over 42% a year ago. The bright spot for Detroit is offensive rebounding, but Denver finished #4 last season in that department, and that will keep Detroit from gaining in that way, otherwise the deficit is too big. Play on Denver.