Will James Harden Play Tonight? Brooklyn Nets vs Detroit Pistons: Preview, Lineups & Predictions

Brooklyn Nets face the Detroit Pistons tonight in the final game of their road trip. They are coming off a blowout 30-point loss against the Utah Jazz, where they rested multiple players. The Pistons haven’t had better luck and are also coming off a loss against the Indiana Pacers. This is their third matchup of the season.

Date & Time: March 26, 2021, 7:00pm ET

Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan

Preview | Brooklyn Nets

The Nets enter the game on the back of their worst loss of the season. But none of their Big 3 played. James Harden and Kevin Durant were facing injuries, while Kyrie Irving is away from the team for the birth of his child. Blake Griffin also missed the game.

Landry Shamet (ankle), Durant (hamstring), Harden (neck), Irving (personal) are all going to miss the game. Griffin, who was rested in the previous game due to injury management, is likely to feature tonight. There is a chance he gets his first start with his new team, but coach Steve Nash might avoid the risk and continue to give him limited minutes off the bench.

Starting 5 for the Nets

Guard – Tyler Johnson

Guard – Bruce Brown

Forward – Joe Harris 

Forward – Jeff Green

Center – DeAndre Jordan

Preview | Detroit Pistons

The Pistons lost their previous game, but they showed heart against a much better team, losing by just five points. They traded Delon Wright at the deadline to bring in Cory Joseph and picks. So that will help them with the salary cap next season since Wright was owed over $8 million, while Joseph only has a partially guaranteed salary next season.

Dennis Smith Jr. (back), Hamidou Diallo (groin), Rodney McGruder (elbow), and Cory Joseph (personal) are listed as questionable for the game. Smith Jr and Diallo are likely to play and start as well with Diallo making his debut.

Starting 5 for the Pistons

Guard – Dennis Smith Jr

Guard – Hamidou Diallo

Forward – Saddiq Bey

Forward – Jerami Grant

Center – Mason Plumlee

Predictions | Nets vs Pistons

If Harden doesn’t play, the Pistons have a good chance to win the game. They beat the Nets earlier in the season when they had Irving and Harden both, but lost in the rematch later. With all their stars missing, the Pistons could win this, since they have a good track record against top teams this season. It is going to be a close contest and the Pistons may upset the Nets.

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