• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers
• Game Tracker

Pistons could have Calderon in lineup against Cavs

Feb 1, 2013 - 3:30 PM (Sports Network) - The Detroit Pistons could have their new distributor Friday night when they welcome the Cleveland Cavaliers to The Palace of Auburn Hills.

The Pistons acquired guard Jose Calderon from the Toronto Raptors in a three- team deal, which also included the Memphis Grizzlies. Tayshaun Prince and Austin Daye were sent to the Grizzlies, who shipped star guard Rudy Gay north of the border.

Calderon is averaging 11.1 points and 7.4 assists per game this season.

"We are pleased to welcome Jose Calderon, knowing that he fits our mold as a high character individual who is a great competitor," said Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars. "Jose is a great facilitator at the guard position and a player that we feel gives us tremendous flexibility on the court when added to the core of guards we have on the roster."

Detroit will play seven of its next nine games at The Palace, where it is 12-12 this season, and have lost two in a row and six of nine games. In a 98-79 setback at Indiana, Greg Monroe paced the Pistons with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Rodney Stuckey scored 14 points.

"They did a good job of getting a lead early," Monroe said of the Pacers. "We were able to fight back and make a few runs at them. I was proud of our effort in doing that."

Cleveland will try to get back on track Friday and had a three-game winning streak stopped with a 108-95 setback versus the Golden State Warriors.

Kyrie Irving was limited to 14 points and battled an illness throughout the game for the Cavs, who had won four of five games. Irving had scored 30-plus points in the last three games and was averaging 31.2 ppg in his last five.

"I just wasn't myself out there in terms of my mental focus but that's no excuse," said Irving. "I don't want to make any excuses. There were a lot of defensive lapses. I lost Klay Thompson a few times and tried to get up on Jarrett Jack but they just kicked our butts tonight."

Tristan Thompson totaled 18 points and 11 rebounds in defeat, and is questionable Friday because of a finger injury. Thompson has 12 double-doubles in his 20 games and is averaging 14.5 points and 11.4 rebounds in that span. He has grabbed at least four offensive boards in 10 of his last 12 games.

"I think he's fine. He got treatment on it this morning as you can see he's out there right now shooting free throws," Cavs coach Byron Scott said of Thompson after Wednesday's practice. "It's nothing we're too concerned about."

Cavs rookie Dion Waiters and Tyler Zeller finished with 18 and 16 points, respectively, in the loss. Scott said he will keep Waiters in the starting lineup when asked if there are any changes in the near future. Waiters leads all East rookies with 14.5 ppg and averaged 15.0 ppg in January.

Cleveland newcomer Marreese Speights recorded 12 points versus the Warriors and has scored in double figures in each of his three games as a Cavalier.

After visiting the Pistons, Cleveland will return to the Forest City for a seven-game homestand. The Cavs are just 7-20 away from home.

The Cavaliers have lost the first two meetings with the Pistons this season and four straight overall.