The Golden State Warriors, who are the defending NBA champions, have been in stupendous form as they are the only team in the league to have won all their matches during the season so far. The Warriors, who have defeated strong teams such as Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers, will be eager to stretch their winning streak to eight games as they face Detroit Pistons at Oracle Arena on Monday.
However, the Warriors cannot afford to take Pistons lightly as they have been in an impressive form as well with five wins from their last six matches. Hence, the match between Warriors and Pistons is expected to be an intriguing battle.
The Pistons, who started the regular season with a big win against Atlanta Hawks, have only lost to Indiana Pacers so far and have stood up to the challenge of the bigger teams such as the Chicago Bulls, who were defeated in overtime. However, Warriors will pose as their biggest test in Oakland.
The Pistons have shown great character this season as was witnessed in their last game against Portland Trail Blazers, and enjoyed a 13 point lead in the fourth quarter. Pistons were splendid in the fourth quarter on both sides of the court as they scored 41 points compared to Blazers' 11.
It is such performances that has made Pistons one of the strongest teams in the eastern conference. Andre Drummond, who scored 29 points against the Blazers, has been one of the best players for the Pistons with 20.3 points per game. Apart from his offensive game, he is one of the best defensive players in the team.
''Andre's numbers are phenomenal," AP quoted Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy as saying.
"If he didn't get a rebound the rest of this trip he'd be in the top three or four in rebounding. What he's doing on the boards is just phenomenal. He was just swallowing the ball up down the stretch.''
On the offensive end, Reggie Jackson has been their best player with 23.2 ppg.
Despite possessing some in-form players, the Pistons are aware of the stern test against Warriors, who have some of the best players in the NBA, which includes Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. The trio has been in terrific form and has played an important part in Warriors' flying start in the season.
Amongst the trio, Curry has already hit the ground running with 33.9 ppg this season and has looked in great shooting form. If Curry has another big game against the Pistons, the Warriors should walk away with the game in front of their home fans.
Where to watch live
Golden State Warriors vs Detroit Pistons NBA game is scheduled for 10:30 pm EST (9am IST, 3:30 am GMT) start. India viewers can watch the game live on Sony Six.
International viewers, including those in India, can watch all the NBA live action by live streaming on NBA Online.
