Game Preview: Heat visit Pistons hoping to seize #3 seed in East

The Miami Heat have control over their own destiny now. If they win their final two games of the season, they will be the East's #3 seed for the NBA Playoffs.

The only problem? The Detroit Pistons have plenty to play for as well. Detroit is in a tie with the Indiana Pacers as they try to work out who will be #7 and #8 in the East. Currently, the Pacers own the tie-breaker, so Detroit has some work to do. The two teams will face each other Tuesday night in the Motor City with each looking to take a stand.

Game Details:
Miami Heat (47-33) @ Detroit Pistons (43-37)
7:30 PM EST at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Detroit, MI.
TV: Sun Sports Heat / Radio: 790

Injury Report:
Miami -- Justise Winslow (ankle), day-to-day; Chris Bosh (illness), OUT, Tyler Johnson (shoulder), OUT.
Detroit -- N/A

The Heat and Pistons met in Miami just a few days ago and the Heat won by 18 in blowout fashion. The Heat's new defensive strategy against Detroit limited them from the perimeter, where the Pistons hurt the Heat in two previous meetings. Rebounding and guarding the three will be the two main priorities for Miami as they hope to take down the Pistons again.

Reggie Jackson scored 39 points in the Pistons last game as they beat the Wizards and officially clinched their playoff spot. The Heat will likely be without Justise Winslow who sprained his ankle against the Magic on Sunday.

Hassan Whiteside will need to play well for the Heat to succeed against Andre Drummond. And Miami will also need someone from the bench to step up. Without Winslow, either Josh Richardson, Gerald Green or Josh McRoberts need to contribute something of value.

For more information on the Pistons, visit Detroit Bad Boys.

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