Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Detroit Pistons vs. Miami Heat: Preview

When/Where: 7:30 p.m., AmericanAirlines Arena.

Tickets: Limited amount available at www.Heat.com or 1-800-4NBA-TIX.

TV -- Sun Sports, NBA TV (blacked out in South Florida). Radio -- WINZ (940-AM), WQBA (1140-AM, Spanish).

Scouting report: This is the first of eight exhibitions for the Heat, as well as the first of three at AmericanAirlines Arena. It also is the Pistons' exhibition opener . . . The Heat went 2-1 against Detroit last season . . . For the Heat, point guard Mario Chalmers (ankle) is doubtful, with forward Da'Sean Butler (knee) out . . . Forward Chris Wilcox (hamstring) is questionable for the Pistons . . . Unlike the Heat, the Pistons had a relatively uneventful offseason, with free-agent Tracy McGrady and first-round pick Greg Monroe the only additions of note . . . Detroit last season missed the playoffs for the first time since 2000-01.

From Ira Winderman at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

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Prediction: Miami wins by 20. Strong performances from top to bottom. Patrick Beverley and Dexter Pittman will be pleasant surprises.