Detroit Pistons vs San Antonio Spurs: Game Preview

Jan 12, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) and forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) walk to the bench during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Spurs win 109-99. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) and forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) walk to the bench during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Spurs win 109-99. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The San Antonio Spurs (50-9) return to the AT&T Center Wednesday as they face the Detroit Pistons (31-29). Spurs are a perfect 28-0 this season at home.

After an outstanding road trip (7-1), the Spurs return home looking to clinch another postseason berth with a win over the surging Pistons — their 19th straight appearance.

More from Air Alamo

San Antonio is only behind Golden State for the league’s best record, and the Warriors have already clinched a playoff spot. Now, the Spurs can join them. They’re 22 1/2 games ahead of ninth-place Utah, and both teams have 23 games remaining.

San Antonio has won seven of their last eight games and 25 of their last 28 — which included five in a row where they were averaging 109 points.

Coming off of a grueling road trip as the Spurs just completed, for them returning back to the AT&T Center where they are perfect this year gives them more momentum. Spurs have won 37 in a row on their own court, but lost their most recent matchup there against Detroit, 105-104 on Jan. 6, 2015.

To help boost the Spurs playoff run, Monday they signed veteran point guard Andre Miller after he was bought out by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Miller brings a lot of experience to a team that is already loaded. He is an exceptional passer and as he stated in his first media day on Tuesday, he is just looking to be the best teammate he can. When asked how he would perform with the team, Head Coach Gregg Popovich answered in good ole’ Pop fashion.

“He’s gonna be terrible. That’s why we brought him in. He’s got no chance to fit in whatsoever. I can’t believe we did that.”

Jan 12, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) takes a shot over Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Spurs win 109-99. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

He later went on to seriously answer the question and would not be any surprise that Pop is high on the 39-year old.

“His basketball IQ is off the charts,” he added. “What a pro, tough minded, disciplined and he’ll pick up things very quickly. He’s picked up already a lot. He’ll be fine.”

Miller joins a team that continues to make history in their storied franchise. Kawhi Leonard has performed at a high-level since returning from resting his injured calf. Leonard has totaled 56 points on 18-of-28 shooting and 6 of 9 from 3-point range over the last two games.

Tony Parker was key for San Antonio during their yearly nine game road-trip with the team missing key players due to injury.

On January 12th agains the Pistons, Parker scored a season-high 31 points and LaMarcus Aldridge added 22 with 13 boards in a 109-99 win at Detroit.

The Pistons are trying to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2009. They’re tied with Indiana for seventh in the East after following a five-game slide with a season high-tying fourth straight win, 114-101 over Atlantic Division-leading Toronto on Sunday.

Detroit on the road this season is 13-18. Entering the AT&T Center, the Spurs defense have stepped up allowing just 90.4 a game. Pistons on the road is averaging 99 points.

Next: Spurs Officially Sign Veteran Guard Andre Miller