Programming note: Pistons-Warriors coverage starts tonight at 7 p.m. with Warriors Pregame Live on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, and streaming live right here.
OAKLAND – The Warriors on Wednesday return to Oracle Arena, where they will play seven of their next eight games and have been practically invincible this season.
And it appears they are catching the Pistons at precisely the right time.
The Warriors (50-12) have won four straight, own the best record in the league and are an NBA-best 27-2 at home. Detroit (23-40) has lost its last seven, including a 93-85 defeat to the Lakers on Tuesday night at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Still, it could be dangerous to dismiss the Pistons, who over the course of this season have beaten Chicago, Houston, San Antonio, Cleveland and Toronto.
OPENING LINE
Warriors by 14.5.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Andrew Bogut vs. Andre Drummond -- Drummond, who ranks fourth in the league in double-doubles, is one of several talented young big men in the league, capable of dominating stretches of games. Bogut will have to play smart (avoid fouls) while being physical enough to keep Drummond off the offensive glass.
Draymond Green vs. Greg Monroe -- It's another physical mismatch for Green, who is four inches shorter than Monroe. But Green, who will try to lure Monroe to the perimeter, grew up in Michigan and always seems to find extra motivation when facing Detroit. He'll be ready.
[REWIND: Report: Draymond has 'significant interest' in joining Pistons]
Stephen Curry vs. Reggie Jackson -- Curry is familiar with Jackson from his days with Oklahoma City. Both are scoring point guards, but Curry is the All-Star, much more efficient and vastly superior. Jackson over the past five games has scored 81 points on 89 shots, while Curry has scored 115 on 76.
KEYS TO VICTORY
1) Clean the glass -- The Pistons are big and Drummond is the best young offensive rebounder in the league. The Warriors have to limit second- and third-chance shots.
2) Repeat No. 1 -- Yes, seriously. Rebounding is that important against a team of poor shooters but with two players, Drummond and Monroe, averaging double-doubles.
3) Sprint from the start -- Coming off a Tuesday night game against the Lakers, the Pistons will be vulnerable to speed. The Warriors can exploit that, especially with their small lineup.
LAST 10
Warriors 7-3, Pistons 2-8.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: No injuries listed.
Pistons: C Joel Anthony (sore right groin) did not play Tuesday night and is listed as questionable. G Brandon Jennings (ruptured left Achilles tendon) is listed as out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors have a seven-game win streak over Detroit, their longest since 1975-76, and are seeking their fourth consecutive season sweep. They have limited the Pistons to fewer than 100 points in each of the seven games.
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