I don't consider the Pistons better than the Trail Blazers. Portland ranks ninth in scoring at 107.3 points a game. That's six points more per game than the Pistons, who rank 26th in scoring and 27th in free throw shooting. Portland ranks 13th in free throw percentage. The Trail Blazers also compete in the stronger Western Conference.

This does mark the Trail Blazers' third consecutive road game following the All-Star break, but is just their second game in five days. It's also the final game of their road trip. Portland should be fueled not only by chasing a playoff spot, but revenge for a 125-124 double overtime home loss to the Pistons last month. The Trail Blazers were laying 3 1/2 points in that matchup.

Damian Lillard has been on a monster tear since the break averaging 30.5 points while shooting 51 percent from the floor during this span. He's playing far better than Detroit's two best players, Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson.