The undermanned Sixers want to bounce back against the Pistons

The Sixers showed a lot of fight in their last game. They rose above their recent third-quarter woes and fought to the end in a 122-115 overtime loss, but still succumbed to a strong Rockets team despite Tyrese Maxey’s 39-point outburst. It leaves Philadelphia at 3-14 and still in 14th place in the Eastern Conference.

They next take on the 9-12 Pistons as they look to turn things around after two straight losses and two days of rest.

The Pistons come into this game having gone 5-5 in their last 10 games. They’re at the energy disadvantage because they’re playing for the second night in a row, despite dominating in a 130-106 win over the Pacers on Friday. Despite coming off a high-scoring night, the Pistons’ offense has struggled overall this year, ranking 23rd in offensive rating.

As expected, the Sixers will continue to be outnumbered on Saturday. Joel Embiid (left knee injury/personal reasons) remains out, as does Kyle Lowry with his right hip strain. Meanwhile, Paul George (left knee bruise) took part in full practice on Friday and was upgraded to questionable. A return of Caleb Martin (upper back pain) is also questionable.

The Pistons’ backcourt is the most important task for the Sixers in this game. Cade Cunningham has had a great season overall so far. Although his efficiency in running a limited offense was below average, he still displayed impressive three-point shooting ability and playmaking ability. He’s having a career year across the board, averaging 23.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and nine assists.

After missing a few games with a right hip injury, Cunningham returned against the Pacers and looked his usual self. He scored 24 points, 11 dimes and six rebounds on 10 of 19 shooting. Luckily, the Sixers have good wings that fit his size in Kelly Oubre Jr. and Martin – not to mention George if he returns. It will be interesting to see how they transition and manage the Cade task.

Jaden Ivey has also increased his skills this season. The third-year guard has improved his three-point shot, continues to be an explosive finisher and driver, and is posting career-highs in scoring (18.6 points per game) and efficiency (56.3 points per game).

The backcourt battle between Cunningham and Ivey (and even Malik Beasley’s shooting) and Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain might be the most entertaining part of Saturday’s game.

Former Sixer Tobias Harris barely lit up the box score in his return to Detroit. While he shouldn’t be taking over the offense when Cade is around anyway, Harris has still only scored 13.9 points per game this season (his lowest since his second NBA year in 2012-13) and stayed in games quiet when Cade was there was also sidelined. In the two games Harris participated in during Cunningham’s most recent three-game absence, Harris scored eight points, then 12 – attempting no more than 10 shots in either game. If vets like Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr. remain reasonably calm, that’s a good sign for Philly.

Jalen Duren is another player to keep an eye on, and it could be a tricky opponent for the 6ft 2in (albeit strong) Guerschon Yabusele – plus the Frenchman remains in the starting lineup. With a taller 6-foot-10 frame, tons of athleticism, strong rebounding (highest 14.7 boards per 36 minutes this year) and rim protection, Duren is not easy to tame.

The Pistons could also get a boost from Ausar Thompson. The second-year winger is an excellent defender and rebounder, and after being unable to play since March due to a blood clot, he has returned to action in the last three games.

As brutal as the start of this season has been for the Sixers, thankfully the duo of Maxey and McCain are giving something to the Sixers and the fans something to enjoy it now. Even though McCain has slowed down in the last two games, he has still put in an impressive performance in a variety of ways – from his passing to his three-point shooting to his slick footwork and finishing.

Let’s see if they can keep shooting to help the Sixers get back on their feet, and hopefully get some production from George along the way. She should I have a good chance of beating this Pistons team.

Game details

When: 7:00 p.m. ET

Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI

Regard: NBC Sports Philadelphia Plus

Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic

Consequences: @LibertyBallers