The Detroit Pistons face the Chicago Bulls for the second time in as many games tonight. Detroit is at the United Center looking to avenge its 94-88 season opener. For the Bulls, it’s already Game 3, with the team beating the New Orleans Pelicans 128-112. The good news for the Pistons is that the Bulls will be back to back. The bad news is that Chicago seemed to have found something against the Pelicans.

Vital elements of the game

When: 8 p.m. ET
Or: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
To concern: Detroit Plus Ball Sports
Chances: Pistons +10

Analysis

There were things to love and things to fear about the Pistons’ loss in Game 1. But also, it’s just a game so does that really mean anything? As it stands, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart, and Jerami Grant have come through this game delivering what you expected and in some cases clearly exceeding expectations.

Are the Pistons going to the backcourt? Not really. Killian Hayes struggled offensively and didn’t score any points. Cory Joseph had three. The two combined for 1 of 12 from the floor and just four assists.

The team as a whole also struggled to connect in depth, although this is a priority this offseason. Outside of a strong 3-of-5 performance from Grant, the team was 3 of 23 deep. You have to imagine (or hope) that Bey, Frank Jackson, and Kelly Olynyk won’t be 1 in 13 combined tonight.

The Bulls, meanwhile, seemed to have found something against the Pelicans. Then again … it was the pelicans, and they seem like a real disaster. Chicago shot 52% from ground and 50% from depth against the Pels. The team was led by the always dangerous Zach LaVine with 32 points. New addition DeMar DeRozan was not far behind at 26.

Plus, don’t overlook the kind of mayhem Alex Caruso is capable of wreaking in big minutes on the bench. Caruso may not be the flashiest signing of Chicago’s final year with Nikola Vucevic, Lonzo Ball and DeRozan added to the lineup. But Caruso’s defense will be vital to Chicago’s potential success. In 28 minutes against the Pelicans, he scored 9 points and was a team top +22.

Planned compositions

Detroit Pistons (0-1)

Killian Hayes, Frank Jackson, Saddiq Bey, Jerami Grant, Isaiah Stewart

Chicago Bulls (2-0)

Lonzo Ball, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, Nikola Vucevic

Game question

Where will the Bulls end up in the East this year?