The Detroit Pistons begin the 2011-12 regular season with an away game against the Indiana Pacers as they look to begin this season with a solid start. Detroit began last season losing its first five games, but new coach Lawrence Frank hopes to change that this season.
The Pistons haven't formally announced their starters for Monday night's contest, but the game notes indicate that rookie point guard Brandon Knight will be trotted out alongside Austin Daye, Tayshaun Prince, Jonas Jerebko and Greg Monroe to begin the regular season.
Ben Gordon, Rodney Stuckey and Charlie Villanueva may also eventually factor into the starting lineup, but the Stuckey is still working his way into basketball shape after signing late and Villanueva is still serving a suspension for actions that occurred last season. Regardless of who starts on Monday night, however, Frank has noted that it could be a revolving door as the truncated preseason didn't allow him to set his lineups as planned.
"You're just honest with the team," Frank said. "To know it after 16 days ... you have to give some stability to the rotation, and at the same time, you have to be flexible because these are extenuating circumstances."
The Pistons split their preseason series with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but Monday night's game will be the first game that counts. Detroit fans will be able to catch the game on Fox Sports Detroit Plus (channel guide here), due to the Detroit Red Wings playing Monday night as well, when the game tips off at 7 p.m.