Detroit at Los Angeles

Two teams that have struggled defensively recently will battle at Staples Center with Detroit coming off a loss at Utah on Friday and the Lakers a 113-97 loss to the Clippers yesterday. The Pistons shot only 39.5 percent in the loss to the Jazz, which finished with a .538 shooting percentage. The Clippers shot 52 percent against the Lakers, who lost their third straight after also getting blown out against San Antonio and Portland. The Pistons won the first meeting 111-91 on Dec. 6, and they're playing the final game of a five-game road trip. The Lakers have allowed an average of 118.3 points their last three contests, which gives Detroit a chance to bounce back from Friday's performance, and it is still a small favorite in this matchup. Play the Pistons.