We’re on the cusp of an exciting game tonight. Amare Stoudemire and the Phoenix Suns will battle with the Baby Pistons at 9:00 PM Eastern.

Stoudemire, one of a handful of NBA veterans participating in the SL is making a comeback from surgeries on both of his knees. Racking up 22.5 points in 28.5 minutes (2 games), Amare has not lost a beat when it comes to making sweet string music.

The All-Star center/forward is shooting an efficent 65% from the field, and nearly 85% from the charity stripe. While most of his TVSL 2006 minutes have come at center due to a lack of height on the roster (a chronic condition that also affects the NBA Suns), we expect to see Amare presented with two matchups that will thrill the red, white and blue faithful.

Cheikh Samb and Jason Maxiell.

Amare is at his best playing PF. Length does however bother his ability to finish around the basket. Samb presents a lot of length and inexperience at the center position for the Pistons. Cheikh’s footwork, concentration and timing will be tested by the raw athleticism and superior instincts of the SL Suns’ “Ringer”.

I’ll expect that Jason Maxiell will provide help defense from the weakside when Stoudemire works the low post, and again, the relative inexperience of “the Brahma” (J-Max) will be tested when it comes to timing and recognition. In a perfect world, we would see Maxiell playing Stoudemire at both ends of the court, providing insight into J-Max’s ability to defend and score against elite NBA forwards.

Ack Attack…

Alex Acker remains an under the radar Piston, generally receiving attention only when the box score makes him noteworthy. Lacking the first round draft pick pedigree of Maxiell and untapped potential of Amir Johnson, Acker toils in relative obscurity.

I’m excited about Alex. Upon finding out the Pistons drafted a player from Pepperdine University, coached by Paul Westphal, I blurted, “hidden gem, Tayshaun all over again” to anyone that would listen.

Westphal was one of the NBA’s great guards in the 1970s. If I was to make a list of college coaches best suited to train a future NBA scoring guard, Westphal would be near the top and he thought very highly of Alex Acker ;

He’s led the Waves (12-8) in rebounding seven times this season, but his most impressive statistic is that he plays 37.5 minutes per game.

“All you need to know about Acker is that (Paul) Westphal never takes him out,” said one NBA scout.

Folks, we’re talking about 40 minute games here!

Pistonsforum.com roundup…

Maxiel, Johnson, Acker, Blalock…will they actually get a chance to play?

Forum member himat sorts out the Pistons’ depth development;

I believe Acker is a 2 and Amir is a 3. Basically all 5 of the young guys the Pistons have fill every position.

Will Blalock: 1 (Point Guard)
Alex Acker: 2 (Shooting Guard)
Amir Johnson: 3 (Small Forward)
Jason Maxiell: 3/4 (Small Forward/Power Forward)
Cheik Samb: 5 (Center)

GO PISTONS!