Detroit's camp got off to a messier start. Duren missed most of the early preseason after skipping the start of training camp before signing his 5-year, $200 million deal. Cade Cunningham played the first half of the opener against Phoenix and then sat out the October 10 game at Washington along with Duren. Both of them finally played at Target Center, and the result was 128-106.
Duren got 15 minutes in that game and used them for 24 points on 8-of-9 shooting, plus 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Cunningham had 14 points and 9 assists in 20 minutes. Minnesota actually led 38-29 after the 1st quarter behind Anthony Edwards and a returning Jonathan Kuminga, but Detroit won the 2nd 36-20 and pushed a thin Wolves front line around for the rest of the night. The Pistons don't play again before Friday, so they get rest and a home floor while Toronto comes in off the Garden.
Toronto's frontcourt is the place to watch. Nate Bittle was still in a walking boot for his foot as of this week, with a follow-up appointment Wednesday that could get him out of it, according to Sportsnet's Blake Murphy. Even in the best case, that's a long way from playing on the second night of a back-to-back. That leaves the Raptors without a body inside against Duren, who just shot 8-of-9 against a short-handed big rotation. Detroit's injury report is clean.
The matchup itself is easy to follow. Leonard's shot-making and Toronto's ball movement go up against Cunningham running a set offense and Duren around the rim. Minutes will settle it more than talent will. Neither coach has said how long his starters will play, and Thursday's Knicks game could reshuffle Toronto's plan entirely. Tip is 7:00 PM ET.