Pistons' top-ranked defense visits a 76ers offense shooting poorly

The Detroit Pistons (60-22), owners of the league's stingiest shot defense, visit the Philadelphia 76ers (45-37) on Sunday, October 25, facing one of the weaker shooting offenses in the NBA. Tip-off is at 7:30 PM ET.

All records and ratings are from last season, with this season's rosters. Detroit held opponents to an effective field goal percentage of 51.7, the best mark in the league, and forced turnovers on 14.1% of possessions, also the best. Philadelphia shot 53% by that measure, 26th of 30 teams.

The 76ers did protect the ball. Their turnover rate of 11.4% was sixth in the league, which cuts against Detroit's strength in forcing mistakes.

The glass adds a second matchup. Detroit grabbed 30.9% of its own misses, third in the league, while Philadelphia collected 72.5% of opponents' misses, 26th. Extra Pistons possessions would come against a team that gave them up.

Cade Cunningham averaged 23.9 points and 9.9 assists last season and runs Detroit's offense. Jaylen Brown averaged 28.7 points and Tyrese Maxey 1.9 steals, and both are on the 76ers' roster.

Detroit's Jalen Duren, who averaged 10.5 rebounds, is out, with a return expected Tuesday, October 27. Ausar Thompson, who led the team with two steals a game, is questionable, and so is Elijah Harkless.

Philadelphia's Joel Embiid is day-to-day. LeBron James, who averaged 7.2 assists, is out. Dominick Barlow is also out, with a return expected Monday, November 2.

Both teams have won recently this season. Detroit beat Miami 128-111 on the road and Boston 121-113 at home. Philadelphia has beaten Milwaukee 127-116, Cleveland 114-106 and New York 106-100.

Sportsbooks' prices give the 76ers a 54% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, makes Detroit the favorite at 58% by 2.5 points.