Nov 30, 2012; Memphis, TN, USA; Detroit Pistons center Greg Monroe (10) drives against the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum. Memphis defeated Detroit 90-78. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-US PRESSWIRE

The Detroit Pistons seem to be on the opposite track from the Dallas Mavericks.  The Mavs started the season 4-1 but are 3-8 in their last 11 games and have lost 3 in a row including two blowout losses, the last one at the hands of a mediocre Chicago Bulls team.

The Pistons, on the other hand, were just on the other side of a lopsided victory over the Phoenix Suns, 117-77.  Detroit, now 5-11, was the last NBA team to notch its first victory, starting the season 0-8, but has since won 5 of 8 and two in a row for the first time prior to losing Friday night to the league-leading Memphis Grizzlies.

Greg Monroe has developed into one of the better big men in the league, averaging 16.5 ppg and 9.4 rpg, plus nearly 2 steals.  Point guard Brandon Knight and forward Tayshaun Prince are averaging right at 13 and 12 points, respectively, while Knight dishes 5.5 apg.

Dallas will debut recent signee Derek Fisher who will be expected to provide leadership and a calming influence to a team that has been all over the map.   It will be interesting to see how the team responds overall; on any given night the Mavs have shot and/or rebounded poorly and turned the ball over and have failed to find a consistent rhythm or inside game other than when Chris Kaman plays well.   With Fisher, the Mavs should be able to execute a more specific game plan and be methodical in the half court.

Fisher is also known as a solid defender which is another area the Mavs have struggled, although the inside defense has been more of an issue.

Game time is 8:00 CST.