Chicago @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 20, 2019 ) Detroit 89, Chicago 109

The Chicago Bulls look to improve to 3-0 against Detroit this season when they visit the Pistons on Saturday. The Bulls defeated the Pistons twice in Chicago, prevailing by margins of six and 20 points despite Detroit center Andre Drummond collecting an average of 19 rebounds.

The Bulls are entering this contest in a feel-good mood after recovering from an 18-point, fourth-quarter deficit to post a 110-109 overtime road win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. "It showed that our identity should be like that for the rest of the year," Chicago point guard Tomas Satoransky told reporters after the club allowed just 13 fourth-quarter points. "We won thanks to our defense." The Pistons have lost three straight games by an average of 16 points after being routed 114-93 by the host Boston Celtics on Friday. Power forward Blake Griffin and shooting guard Luke Kennard both missed the game with knee injuries and could sit out again on Saturday.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Detroit Plus

ABOUT THE BULLS (11-19): Power forward Lauri Markkanen erupted for 31 points and nine rebounds for his highest-scoring game since posting 35 in the season opener against the Charlotte Hornets. Markkanen was 12-of-19 shooting and made a season-high five 3-pointers in a superb outing that followed a three-game funk in which he averaged 12 points. "Lauri had a game that he needed, made big shots and big plays," Chicago coach Jim Boylen told reporters. "I feel like we're getting better and we're growing as a group. Sometimes when you don't win, that gets lost."

ABOUT THE PISTONS (11-18): Griffin is averaging just 16.3 points and 4.4 rebounds in 15 games, and looking nothing like a six-time All-Star. "Blake is not 100 percent with his knee soreness," Detroit coach Dwane Casey told reporters. "I can't predict. I don't have a crystal ball to say if he's going to be back 100 percent. That's what we're shooting for by resting him and giving him days off." Drummond registered 12 points, 11 rebounds and matched his career best of six steals against Boston in a game in which the Pistons committed 25 turnovers.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Pistons have won their past six home games with the Bulls.

2. Chicago SG Zach LaVine (shin) is probable and he scored 24 points against Washington despite being 6-of-23 from the field.

3. Detroit F Christian Wood (knee) underwent an MRI exam and only a bruise was detected.

PREDICTION: Pistons 104, Bulls 100