PREVIEW: The Detroit Pistons arrive in Dallas boasting elite rim defense ranked second in the league, yet they struggle with efficiency around the basket and from the free-throw line, presenting an intriguing paradox on that end of the floor. Fresh off winning 19 of their last 22 games , the Pistons are averaging 119.4 points on 48.5 percent shooting while holding opponents to 113 points on 44.7 percent , establishing themselves as one of basketball's most balanced teams. Cade Cunningham continues his breakout season with 27.1 points and 6 rebounds per contest , leading a deep roster that refuses to let opponents gain traction. The visitors' ability to force turnovers at the third-best rate in the NBA provides another layer of defensive disruption that could prove troublesome for a Mavericks squad fighting for consistency. Dallas, meanwhile, operates a system that limits three-point attempts on defense while struggling significantly in the paint, allowing plenty of rim attacks that rank dead last in the league. The Mavericks have won five of their last seven games , showing renewed life after a recent overtime loss to Utah, though questions persist about their ability to maintain momentum. Cooper Flagg has emerged as a dynamic scoring threat with 18.4 points and 6.3 rebounds nightly , providing Dallas with the youthful energy needed to compete with eastern powerhouses. This matchup pits a Pistons team built on suffocating defense against a Mavericks roster searching for offensive consistency, setting up a compelling battle where execution and health could ultimately determine the outcome.