It's taken the Detroit Pistons 18 games to get to their first divisional opponent, and they have a good shot of starting 1-0 in the Central when they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night. The Pistons have found their footing somewhat since starting the season 0-8, as they've gone 5-5 in their past 10 games. However, they've lost two straight on the road, so they should be looking forward to getting back home.

The Cavaliers, who sit behind the Pistons in the Central standings, have had a miserable go of things since losing Kyrie Irving to a broken finger on Nov. 18. They're just 2-5 without their star point guard, but have put up a good fight in most of their games without him.

The biggest matchup in this game, both literally and figuratively, is between Greg Monroe and Anderson Varejao. Monroe is leading Detroit in both points and rebounds per game, but Varejao is one of the best defenders and rebounders in the NBA. Whoever gets the best of that matchup will have a great chance of winning the game.

Tip-off at the Palace of Auburn Hills is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.