DETROIT, MI - The San Antonio Spurs, after besting the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings in Austin, will travel north on Monday to take on the Detroit Pistons.

Detroit is on the same timeline as the Spurs. In 2021, they drafted Cade Cunningham first overall, although injuries and poor coaching by Monty Williams delayed Cunningham's breakout to match Victor Wembanyama's.

Like the Spurs, the Pistons landed quality talent in the draft around Cunningham, focused on defense. Opposite Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle are Ron Holland and Ausar Thompson, two of the better athletes in the league.

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As soon as this season, fans could be treated to a rematch of the 2005 NBA Finals, provided the Pistons can keep the good times rolling in the playoffs, and the Spurs can overcome their lack of experience. 

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In the 2023 NBA Draft lottery, the Pistons, Spurs, and Houston Rockets all had a 14% chance to draft first overall and pick Wembanyama. Based on his instant reaction, it seemed clear that Wemby wanted to be a Spur, but there is an alternative timeline where he's paired up with Cade Cunningham.

Imagine that.

"I don't really think about that," he said. "Of course, there's similarities. Both of them and us have had way too big losing streaks in the previous years. And now we're towards the top of the standings, so of course there's similarities, but at the same time, we're two very different. And the fun thing is, we take the game with two very different approaches."

Thanks to load management and last season's blood clot, Wembanyama has only played the Pistons once in his career, in Detroit. He recorded his first career triple-double in the Motor City, finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.

"It's gonna be an interesting matchup," he predicted. "I'm very excited. I think I've only played once in my career against Detroit."

Cunningham has also missed plenty of matchups, only playing the Spurs once in his career, as well. He finished with 25 points in that game.

While Jalen Duren will bring some force, aggression, and physicality, Isiaah Stewart remains suspended for his altercation with the Charlotte Hornets before the All-Star Break.