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Can the Pistons Spark a Turnaround at Moda Center?

As the Detroit Pistons prepare to face off against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center, fans are eager to see if their team can break away from recent trends and secure a much-needed victory. The upcoming game, scheduled for February 9th, will be broadcasted on ROOT Sports NW and BSDET for those following from home.


DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 1: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Detroit Pistons shoots a free throw during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 1, 2023 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Pistons have been struggling with consistency this season. Their last three games have seen them put up a fight but ultimately fall short of victory. Against the Brooklyn Nets, despite scoring an impressive 115 points and shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc, they were outdone by Brooklyn's offense in a high-scoring affair that ended with a 126-115 loss. The team showed resilience in their scoring distribution with bench contributions and had moments where they led the game; however, defensive lapses allowed Brooklyn to maintain control for most of the contest.


In their encounter with Utah Jazz at Little Caesars Arena, Detroit again showcased offensive firepower but was unable to contain Utah's attack in a narrow 119-111 defeat. The Pistons' defense struggled as they posted an efficiency rating below their offensive output – an area that has been consistently problematic throughout these matches.


DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 1: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 1, 2023 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Most recently against Atlanta Hawks, despite rallying back impressively in the fourth quarter by dropping 40 points – their highest in any quarter over these games – it wasn't enough to overcome Atlanta's lead resulting in another loss with a scoreline of 130-124.


The trend is clear: while Detroit can compete offensively and has shown bursts of high-scoring potential (averaging around 116 points across these games), it is defensively where improvements are needed. With an average defensive rating hovering around or above what opponents score per possession (approximately between 1.15 and 1.25), tightening up on defense could be key to turning close losses into wins.


DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 1: James Wiseman #13 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 1, 2023 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)

As they head into Portland's territory at Moda Center—a venue known for its raucous home support—the Pistons must focus on enhancing their defensive strategies while maintaining offensive efficiency if they hope to upset the Trail Blazers on their own court.


Fans can catch all the action live on February 9th at ROOT Sports NW or BSDET channels as both teams take center stage aiming for triumph amidst mid-season battles.

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