Pistons vs. Heat Preview: Start of Emirates NBA Cup Group Play

Detroit Pistons

- The Pistons are coming off a disappointing season in which they finished 23-59 and missed the playoffs for the second straight year. - They have a new coach in Dwane Casey, who was hired after Stan Van Gundy was fired at the end of the season. - Casey has a reputation for being a defensive-minded coach, and he will likely implement a more structured system than the Pistons played under Van Gundy.

Key Players

- Blake Griffin: The Pistons' leading scorer and rebounder, Griffin is a six-time All-Star who is still one of the most productive players in the league. - Andre Drummond: One of the best rebounders in the NBA, Drummond is also a solid defender and scorer. - Reggie Jackson: The Pistons' starting point guard, Jackson is a good passer and scorer who can also play defense.

Miami Heat

- The Heat are coming off a successful season in which they finished 44-38 and made it to the second round of the playoffs. - They have a young and talented roster led by rising star Justise Winslow. - Erik Spoelstra is one of the best coaches in the NBA, and he has a track record of getting the most out of his players.

Key Players

- Justise Winslow: The Heat's leading scorer and rebounder, Winslow is a versatile forward who can play multiple positions. - Goran Dragic: The Heat's starting point guard, Dragic is a good scorer and passer who can also play defense. - Hassan Whiteside: The Heat's starting center, Whiteside is a good rebounder and shot-blocker who can also score.

Matchup

- The Pistons and Heat are two evenly matched teams, and this game could go either way. - The Pistons have a slight edge in experience, but the Heat have a more talented roster. - The key to the game will be the battle in the paint, where Drummond and Whiteside will be going head-to-head.

Prediction

- The Heat are a slight favorite to win this game, but the Pistons could pull off the upset if they can play well together and limit their turnovers. - The Pistons will need to get off to a good start and build an early lead to have a chance to win. - The Heat will need to play their best game of the season to beat the Pistons in front of their home crowd.