Detroit Free Press: Pistons


Matchup: Pistons (2-1 in exhibitions) vs. Utah Jazz (1-1).

Injuries: Detroit -- none. Utah -- C Andrei Kirilenko (back) doubtful, SG Derek Fisher (pelvis) doubtful.

Overview: The Pistons are 2-1 in three preseason games and have looked crisp and intriguing as they focus on working with their bench, blending in C Nazr Mohammed and adding more zone defense. Their 101-89 loss came Saturday, when five Pistons hit double figures against Memphis, which played without star Pau Gasol, on the second game of a road back-to-back. A 22-6 Grizzlies run in the fourth ensured the Memphis win. The starters have played in the low 20s each night, as coach Flip Saunders has committed the exhibition month to prepping players like F Carlos Delfino, G Flip Murray and PF Jason Maxiell for bigger roles this season. Expect the same tonight. Kirilenko did not dress for the Jazz's win over Indiana on Saturday, and Fisher bruised his pelvis when he took a hard fall in the opening quarter. Both are likely out tonight. The Jazz has 10 rookies or second-year players on their training camp roster.