Brooklyn Nets vs Detroit Pistons Picks and Predictions November 3rd 2024

In his first few weeks on the job, Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez is enjoying some of the big shots Cam Thomas is sinking. Thomas is off to a hot start, helping the Nets get off to a respectable beginning, and they will aim for a third straight victory Sunday afternoon when they host the Detroit Pistons.

Nets’ Surprising Start

Projected to be among the NBA’s worst teams, the Nets have split their first six games under Fernandez, who was hired in the summer after interim coach Kevin Ollie was not retained following last season’s 32-50 showing. Despite low expectations, Brooklyn is already showing signs of life and determination.

Brooklyn is 3-1 in its past four games with wins over the Milwaukee Bucks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Chicago Bulls. A key to their success has been their ability to close out games strongly. In the fourth quarter of those wins, Thomas scored a total of 29 points, and the Nets outscored opponents 88-62.

“Just take over the game, try to win the game,” Thomas said. “Just credit to the coaches and my teammates for always trusting me to take us home in that situation. So, you know, it’s a credit to them. So, I just try to do my best to close the game out and get us to win every time.”

Cam Thomas’ Breakout Performances

Overall, Thomas is averaging 28.2 points per game, a significant jump from the 22.5 points he averaged last season, where he started 51 of 66 games. The fourth-year guard has already notched three 30-point games this season after achieving that milestone 15 times last year.

In Friday’s 120-112 win over the Chicago Bulls, the Nets briefly lost a 17-point lead in the first half but found a way to deliver down the stretch. Brooklyn outscored the Bulls 16-8 in the final 6:18, with Thomas going on a personal tear, scoring 10 straight points in just under two minutes, including a spectacular 33-foot three-pointer. He finished the game with 32 points, and Fernandez couldn’t help but praise his star guard.

“He made a crazy shot from almost half-court,” Fernandez said. “And I can’t coach that. That’s him being him.”

The Nets’ ability to close out games and Thomas’ heroics have made them a tough opponent, even for strong teams like the Bucks and Grizzlies. Sunday’s matchup against the Pistons presents a different challenge, as Brooklyn faces a Detroit team coming off a difficult loss and eager to bounce back.

Pistons’ Early Struggles

The Pistons have had a rough start to the season, dropping their first four games by a combined 32 points before earning a 10-point win against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. However, their momentum was quickly stifled by the New York Knicks, who handed them a crushing 128-98 defeat on Friday.

In that game, the Pistons were out of sync from the start. Detroit shot just 26.8% (6-of-21) from the field in the opening quarter and was outscored 39-13. Cade Cunningham, who finished with 22 points, continued his streak of scoring at least 20 points in each game. However, he struggled early, shooting just 1-of-5 in the first quarter as the Pistons found themselves trailing 69-46 by halftime.

“We just had a bad night,” first-year coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “I know our guys, what it means to them and what they care about. But just for whatever reason, tonight we didn’t have it.” Detroit’s 22 turnovers, seven of which came in the opening quarter, remain a major issue, as the team entered Saturday with an NBA-high 107 turnovers.

Key Matchups and What to Watch

Cam Thomas vs. Detroit’s Defense

Thomas has been electric for Brooklyn, especially in clutch moments. The Pistons will need to find a way to slow him down, which is easier said than done given his current form. Whether it’s pressuring him on the perimeter or closing off his driving lanes, Detroit’s defensive plan will be crucial in containing him.

Cade Cunningham’s Leadership

Despite Detroit’s struggles, Cunningham has been a consistent offensive force. Averaging over 20 points per game, his ability to lead the Pistons’ attack will be key. Cunningham will need to set the tone early and find ways to involve his teammates, especially after a disjointed performance against the Knicks.

Brooklyn’s Closing Ability

The Nets have shown that they can finish games strong, with Thomas leading the charge. Detroit’s challenge will be to prevent Brooklyn from pulling away late in the game, particularly if it remains close heading into the fourth quarter. The Pistons’ defense must be locked in and ready to respond to Brooklyn’s late-game surges.

Detroit’s Turnover Troubles

Turnovers have plagued the Pistons early in the season, and cleaning up their ball-handling will be essential if they hope to compete. Against a Brooklyn team that thrives on capitalizing on mistakes, Detroit cannot afford another sloppy outing.

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Matchup History and Outlook

The Nets are 15-4 in their past 19 meetings against the Pistons, including an impressive 8-1 mark in Brooklyn. With both teams eager to build momentum early in the season, this game could be a battle of execution and resilience.