Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons: Season opener preview

The Indiana Pacers host the Detroit Pistons to kick off the 2019-2020 regular season and here is what to expect in tonight’s action.

Indiana Pacers fans, the day has finally come. The 2019-2020 season is officially here. After an offseason that included an abundance of change, the revamped Pacers’ roster will look to start the season off on a strong note against an Eastern Conference rival in the Detroit Pistons.

Tonight’s contest is the home opener at Banker’s Life Fieldhouse and expect the Pacers to put on a show for fans.

This game presents a unique opportunity for the Pacers to see what they have on both sides of the floor. Even though the Pistons will be without all-star Blake Griffin, the team still has pieces on their roster that will test the Pacers’ limits this evening.

Offensively, the Pacers will have to play cohesively due to the Pistons’ defensive front. With players who can guard multiple positions such as Tony Snell, Markieff Morris, and Andre Drummond, the Pacers will have to start and finish strong to kick the season off with a victory.

Luckily for the Pacers, this first contest against the Pistons will provide a blueprint for success as the Pacers will play the Pistons three times between now and November 8th. Griffin is expected to miss all three games due to injury.

The Pacers will come into this game motivated both as a team and individually. After agreeing to extensions, Aaron Holiday, TJ Leaf, and Domantas Sabonis will look to prove their worth to the rest of the NBA.

The Pistons present a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talent and to solidify how the organization feels about their skillsets.

Tonight will also be this season’s first display of the Sabonis and Myles Turner combination. With expectations already high, this will be the first indication for fans on whether this team is constructed for immediate success.

Despite the Pistons missing arguably their best player, they do have the pieces to give the Pacers trouble. Projected starting point guard Reggie Jackson comes into tonight’s game questionable due to a back injury but is expected to play. Jackson is one of the best defenders at the point guard position in the league.

However, with the possibility of Jackson playing limited minutes, Derrick Rose will also orchestrate the offense if needed. Rose will look to build on his resurgence with a clean slate heading into 2019-2020.

The Pistons are also a roster that has players in the midst of their development. Guard Luke Kennard, who may earn a start this evening, will look to take his game to the next level and be consistent while doing so.

Kennard is a game-time decision due to a knee issue but is expected to suit up. Opening night against the Pacers presents the perfect opportunity for Kennard and his teammates to come out firing.

Tonight’s contest allows the Pacers to start a season with a win in the Central division and establish confidence heading into an arduous NBA season. Coach McMillan and his staff will have to learn on the fly about this season’s team but expect the Pacers to be put in a position to succeed.