NBA League Pass Spotlight: Detroit Pistons vs. Golden State Warriors (8:30 ET)

The Detroit Pistons (35-28) face off against the Golden State Warriors (35-28) in a crucial cross-conference showdown on Saturday night at 8:30 ET, which can be watched on League Pass. Both teams are currently tied for the No. 6 seed in their conferences, making this matchup even more significant.

Here are five things to know before tip: 

Dennis Schröder settling in:

It’s been an eventful season for Schröder after being traded twice in two months, but it looks like he’s found a home in Detroit. Over his last four appearances, Schröder put up 10.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists while shooting 50.0% from the field and 45.0% from 3 in only 21.7 minutes. When these two teams last met on Jan. 9, Schröder was a member of the Warriors, helping his team earn the 107-104 victory by providing 13 points and six assists. 

Malik Beasley catching fire from deep:

Malik Beasley went off for a career-high 36 points while knocking down nine 3-pointers in a Pistons win back on Feb. 7. Over his last twelve games, Beasley is averaging 19.1 points while shooting 46.9% from 3-point range on nearly 11.0 attempts a night. He’s currently second in the NBA this season with 251 made 3s, just nine ahead of Stephen Curry (242) and one below Anthony Edwards (252). 

Pistons, Warriors playing great basketball:

Detroit and Golden State have been playing at a high level recently, setting up what should be an exciting matchup. They’re both 10-2 in their last 12 games, and the numbers behind this stretch are incredibly similar. The Pistons rank sixth in offensive rating (

120.5

), first in defensive rating (

107.5

) and second in net rating (

13.0

), while the Warriors are fifth in offense (121.0), third in defense (108.5) and net rating (12.5). 

Steph getting his groove back:

The Warriors have been a completely different team with Jimmy Butler III in the mix. His presence has allowed

Stephen Curry

to turn back the clock a bit, as Curry has been in takeover mode. Over the last 12 games, Curry is second in the league in scoring with 30.3 points, adding 4.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.0 steals on ridiculous efficiency (51.3 FG%/43.8 3P%/90.3 FT%). He was masterful in Golden State’s comeback win over Brooklyn on Thursday, going off for 40 points with seven made 3s, helping his squad go 4-1 on their five-game road trip.

 Butler III thriving in the Bay Area:

Jimmy Butler III

has been playing inspired ball since his trade to the Warriors. In 11 games with Golden State, the 14th-year forward is putting up 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.3 steals in 31.0 minutes, recording a plus-9.0 plus-minus during this stretch (21st in NBA). In two contests against Detroit as a member of the Miami Heat this season, Butler went for 29.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 4.0 steals.