Wolves Game Prep vs. Pistons

Suffice it to say Pistons rookie head coach Michael Curry will never probably coach a run and gun, Euro-ball team:

"We shoot 50-something percent with five turnovers and 100-plus points and lost the game," Curry said of Sunday's loss to Houston. "What I told them today is: Don't worry about your offensive efficiency numbers. Be in the top five in field goal percentage defense and points allowed and ... you got a chance of being really good in the playoffs."

Of course, he probably won't be coaching the Pistons after this year, if they continue their mediocre season (24-19 overall, 5-8 in January). But it is refreshing to hear from someone who knows the difference between playing well in the regular season and succeeding as a playoff team.

As with the Denver Nuggets, Allen Iverson has not been the Answer for Detroit, although his expiring contract may help in renovating the team in the off-season. I can remember all the folks here in Minny that wanted him so badly...including KG. Looking back on the non-trade, I'm guessing that event was Garnett's initial epiphany that continued success in Minnesota wasn't going to happen.

For the moment, these two franchises are headed in opposite directions, though they may meet at briefly at mediocrity. Check out two Detroit Free Press articles: the current team mid-season grades, and the cyber complaining about the before-mentioned Curry. Hmm...bloggers unhappy with their coach...where have I heard THAT before?

The Wolves have another opportunity to catch a team on the downswing, or it could be Piston revenge for the drubbing a then bad Minnesota team gave them in Detroit back in November. Rasheed Wallace is a barometer for his club; if he's enthusiastic about defending Big Al, the game should be interesting. If not, Minnesota could come up with yet another January win. Detroit gets energy and scoring off their bench with both McDyess and Hamilton, we have no one that really matches up with the way Rip moves without the ball and curls off of screens. Our bench has been better most nights than the opposition, and Kevin Love should be able to continue his rebounding prowess against a underwhelming Pistons front court.

With the Lakers coming to town on Friday, this contest may prove to be a good warm-up to the premier statement game of the month.

Detroit Probable Starters:
Allen Iverson, Rodney Stuckey - Guards
Kwame Brown - Center
Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince - Forwards

Minnesota Probable Starters:
Sebastian Telfair, Randy Foye - Guards
Al Jefferson - Center
Craig Smith, Ryan Gomes - Forwards

Target Center, 7pm
Local TV Broadcast: FSN North
Radio: KFAN-1130