Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Preview and Prediction

The Philadelphia 76ers' record after 16 games last season was a paltry 3-13.  

Through five challenging road games, the 76ers have already matched their win total having played only a third of the games it took them to reach this "milestone" in 2010-2011.

After a highly successful road trip, the Philadelphia 76ers host the Detroit Pistons in their home opener. This begins a run of 18 out of 23 games that 76ers will be playing at home.   

The 76ers have approached each game with a calculated, balanced attack.  

The 76ers do not possess the star-studded rosters of teams such as Miami, New York and Boston, but this is made up for with a highly motivated, well-coached core of players.   

The Detroit Pistons coming into the Wells Fargo Center is certainly not the Pistons team of old.  

Now under the direction of former New Jersey Nets coach Lawrence Frank, Detroit is looking to restore the image of Pistons basketball in Motown.   

The Pistons are similar to the 76ers in the sense that they have no real star talent.  

Led by Ben Gordon and Greg Monroe, the Pistons rely heavily on contributions from a variety of players.  

Detroit has two main issues—they lack ideal height (as do the 76ers)—and they don't score (they have scored over 95 points only once so far and average 86.6 points per game).

In contrast, the 76ers offense has been firing on all cylinders through their first five games.

Combining finesse, versatility and a supreme transition game, the 76ers are averaging 102.2 points per game and have failed to score over 100 just once (99 against Utah).

On defense, both teams give up 92.8 points per game (eighth in the league).

Spencer Hawes vs. Greg Monroe may be the matchup to watch out for.  

Hawes is averaging a surprising double-double with 13 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, while Monroe is averaging nearly a double-double with 14.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.  

I would look for the more talented Monroe to have the slight edge in this matchup. 

The 76ers will have an eager and passionate fanbase to urge them on in what looks to be a very winnable home opener.  

If the point differentials of these two teams provides any indication to the outcome of this game, the 76ers should come out with a victory.  

But as well all know, anything can happen in sports and the 76ers should be prepared for a hungry Pistons squad.  

Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers 104, Detroit Pistons 90