The Detroit Pistons opened the exhibition season at the Palace against the two time defending champion Miami Heat.  A small crowd at the Palace were mainly there to see the best player in the NBA today LeBron James.  Also the Detroit Tigers were playing a deciding game 5 for the American League Divisional Series at the same time.  

The newly retooled Pistons fell behind the Heat early and was playing catch up the entire evening.  The Heat lead at halftime 54 - 45.   The Pistons are looking for big things from the newer and improved line-up including Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond.  In the off season the Pistons picked up 6'9'' forward Josh Smith which should give the Pistons a solid starting five.  They also brought back veteran Chauncey Billups for one more season. 

However all the hype was around seeing the best player on the planet LeBron James work his magic at the Palace.  The Miami Heat will play two games at the Palace during the regular season on December 3 and then again on February 3.  I seem significant improvement from the Pistons in 2013-14.