Lakers' top offense faces Pistons' top defense in Detroit

The Los Angeles Lakers (8-2), owners of the NBA's top offense, visit the Detroit Pistons (6-2), who have the league's best defense, on Sunday, November 8, with Luka Doncic questionable.

Los Angeles scores 119.3 points per 100 possessions and leads the league with a 59.2 effective field-goal percentage. Detroit allows 101.7 per 100, also first, and holds opponents to 48.7, second. The league's best shooting team meets a defense that contests shots better than almost anyone.

The Lakers also reach the line more than any team, with a free-throw rate of 0.374. Detroit ranks 15th at keeping opponents off it, so Los Angeles can score when the jumpers stop falling.

Turnovers are where the Lakers leak. They give it away on 14.5% of possessions, 25th in the league, and the Pistons force turnovers on 15.1%, fourth. Those extra trips matter to a Detroit offense that ranks 17th.

Doncic carries Los Angeles at 40.1 points and 7.7 assists a game. Walker Kessler, listed as available, averages 10.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks and anchors the paint.

Cade Cunningham runs Detroit at 24 points and 7.6 assists a game. Ausar Thompson adds 8.6 rebounds from the wing, and the Pistons will lean on him on the glass.

They will need it. Center Jalen Duren, who plays 28.2 minutes a game, is out and expected back Monday. Guard Isaiah Joe is also out, and guard Elijah Harkless is questionable. Center Ugonna Onyenso is out and forward Isaac Jones is questionable, both deep reserves.

Duren's absence leaves Kessler the biggest body on the floor. The Lakers rank 15th in offensive rebounding, and Detroit sits 18th on its own glass.

Los Angeles arrives on a four-game winning streak that includes a 138-117 rout of Miami. Detroit lost its last game at home, 112-106 to Philadelphia.

Tip-off is at 6 p.m. ET. Sportsbook prices give the Pistons a 62% chance to win, and Keel's projection, which blends in the market, also has Detroit at 62% and by 3.3 points.