Pistons-Wizards Pregame

The Detroit Pistons travel to Washington tonight to tango with the Wizards. Washington is coming off a five game losing streak, while the Pistons are on their first win streak of the season at two.

Last year the Pistons won 3-4 meetings, but this years teams are very different. The Pistons have eight new faces in the line-up and will be without Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince once again. The Wizards finally have a healthy Gilbert Arenas but might be without Antawn Jamison and Mike Miller.

Jamison has been battling a shoulder injury since October, but was set to return tonight when he came down with an illness and has been unable to practice this week. Miller also has been dealing with a shoulder injury but is more confident he can take the floor tonight.

Rodney Stuckey and Jonas Jerebko are going to have their hands full trying to contain Arenas and Caron Butler.

Stuckey should be able to cause a few turn-overs with Arenas still getting used to new coach Flip Saunders' offensive system. Maybe he can get more than a few as Arenas coughed the ball up 12 times last game.

Jerebko, who has had a trial by fire so far this season going up against Vince Carter, Hedo Turkoglu, and Gerald Wallace, will be tested again as he tries to stop Butler. The rookie has done a much better than expected job of filling Prince's shoes, especially on the defensive end. I expect to see Butler relying on his jump-shot, as Jerebko has the physical advantage in the post.

The bonus for this game is the possible battle of the shorties. Will Bynum and Earl Boykins both measure in at under six feet. Bynum is coming off a game where he posterized 7'1'' Tyson Chandler. If the two do end up going head-to-head expect Bynum to try and overpower Boykins.

The game starts at 7pm est. and will be on FSN Plus.