GAME THREAD: Dallas Mavericks at Detroit Pistons

WHO: Dallas Mavericks @ Detroit Pistons

WHAT: A new look for both teams since their last match

WHEN: 6:00pm Central (note the early-ish tip off!)

WHERE: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI

HOW: TXA21 or NBA League Pass

THE STORY: It’s been a rough decade for the Pistons. After six consecutive seasons of making it at least as far as the Eastern Conference finals, the team has only cracked the first round twice over the last 10 seasons. Like the Mavericks, they’ll be wrapping things up next week and watching the playoffs from home.

Unlike the Mavericks, the Pistons aren’t involved in this year’s tank-off. After Dallas’ loss to the Magic on Wednesday, the Mavs are on track for fourth-best odds at the No. 1 draft pick. And since the team sent veterans Dirk Nowitzki and J.J. Barea packing for the final three games, there’s a good chance tonight’s outcome will only help their lottery quest.

After all, there are only three games left and one of them is against the Suns!