The Philadelphia 76ers begin a three-game road trip on Wednesday with a visit to the Detroit Pistons.
It'll be a battle of two teams enjoying red-hot starts to their 2026-27 seasons, with the Sixers coming into the matchup 7-1 and the Pistons 6-1. It's worth noting that the Sixers' lone loss so far this campaign came at the hands of the Pistons back on Oct. 25.
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The Sixers' injury report is as clean as can be expected for this one, with only Dominick Barlow (back) and Ariel Hukporti (Achilles) on the list. For Detroit, they are still without Jalen Duren, who suffered a right hamstring strain in the second game of the season and has not returned since. They will also be without former 76er Isaiah Joe with a right hip contusion.
The loss of Duren as it happened seemed like it could be something that set the Pistons back a bit, but they've managed just fine so far. Cade Cunningham continues to be an effective offensive engine for Detroit, posting 23.7 points and 7.1 assists per game this season and is shooting 37.0% from deep on a 6.6 attempts-per-game clip.
In Duren's absence, former Sixer Paul Reed has stepped up in taking on the starting five position. Reed has started the last five contests for the Pistons and has averaged 13.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists. 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks in that stint. Not only that, but Reed is shooting 65.0% from the floor (5.6-for-8.6) to start the year. The Sixers would love
a backup center like that…
Looking at team numbers, the Pistons are currently the best in the association in defensive rating at 102.0, but the Sixers are right there with them in third at 105.1. Detroit is holding opposing offenses to shooting just 41.2% from the floor, the lowest mark in the league. The best way to break through that wall for Philly may be to do exactly what they did against the Bulls (who, yes, are a much worse team than the Pistons) in getting out ahead in transition as often and as quickly as possible. Giving them time to set up defensively will only make things harder for the Sixers, who are still admittedly finding their footing at times in the half court offense — something one would hope only gets better and better with more time together on the floor.
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As I mentioned, the Sixers' only loss this season so far came at the hands of this Detroit squad when they faced off in South Philadelphia over a week ago, but the context surrounding that game is worth noting as well. The Sixers went into that matchup on the second leg of a back-to-back (versus the Pistons after a day off), with both Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe sidelined. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that because they've had some rest and are at full strength that it'll be some cakewalk for Philadelphia tonight… but I think it certainly won't hurt their cause.
Both teams come into Wednesday on a three-game winning streak, but only one can remain near-perfect on the season after tonight.
The Sixers and Pistons tip off at 7 p.m. ET.
Game Details
When:Wednesday, November 4, 7 p.m. ET
Where:Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Watch:ESPN, NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio:97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers
