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Detroit Pistons present as danger game for weary, undermanned Golden State Warriors

By Peter O'Keefe

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: Saddiq Bey #41 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles defended by Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors at Little Caesars Arena on October 30, 2022 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. (Photo by Rick Osentoski/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: Saddiq Bey #41 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles defended by Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors at Little Caesars Arena on October 30, 2022 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. (Photo by Rick Osentoski/Getty Images) /
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Riding a five-game winning streak, the Golden State Warriors have a major opportunity to rise up the Western Conference standings. With a couple of favourable matchups before the conclusion of their eight-game homestand, the reigning champions will look to end their winning streak towards double-digits.

But coming off an emotionally thrilling double-overtime game against the Atlanta Hawks, and with reinforcements still yet to return, the Warriors must be cautious that their momentum isn’t halted by what’s considered as lesser opposition.

With a number of key players still out, Wednesday’s matchup with the Detroit Pistons could present as a danger game for the Golden State Warriors.

Head coach Steve Kerr will again be limited to a nine-man rotation, unless he wishes to utilize rookie point-guard Ryan Rollins. Andrew Wiggins, JaMychal Green, James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga remain out, along with veterans Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala.

The Pistons enter Chase Center with the league’s worst record at 9-28, largely thanks to a season-ending injury to Cade Cunningham — the number one overall pick from the 2021 draft class.

Stephen Curry and Cade Cunningham will both miss Wednesday night’s clash between the Golden State Warriors and Detroit Pistons. (Photo by Rick Osentoski/Getty Images)
Stephen Curry and Cade Cunningham will both miss Wednesday night’s clash between the Golden State Warriors and Detroit Pistons. (Photo by Rick Osentoski/Getty Images) /

The Pistons are 3-11 in their last 14 games, however they did have an upset win in Minnesota on New Years Eve. With the league’s 29th ranked defense and 25th ranked offense, it’s difficult to see how Detroit can trouble Golden State on their home floor. Working for them though is the confidence of beating them already this season, with the Pistons claiming a 128-114 victory in what was one of the Warriors most disappointing performances for the season on October 30.

Golden State fans will wait with bated breath to see what aftereffect Monday’s game has, with four Warrior starters playing upwards of 44 minutes against the Hawks. The home team’s last four wins have all come by single-digits, and there’s no doubt fans will be hoping for a more stress-free game against Detroit.

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But with rising rookie stars in Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, along with an experienced head in Bojan Bogdanovic, there’s enough talent there to make things difficult for the Warriors. A sixth-straight win isn’t a fait accompli, and still just 20-18 and ninth in the Western Conference, Golden State can’t afford to take anyone lightly.

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