The Tigers and White Sox will open a four-game series tonight in Chicago. Detroit is coming off a series win against the Yankees, while the White Sox have dropped eight of their last nine. Justin Verlander, now 11-and-11, will head to the mound tonight. Chicago will counter with Scott Carroll. The season series between these division rivals is even at six games apiece. The Tigers enter the weekend 1 1/2 games behind the Royals for first place in the American League Central. Detroit is tied with Seattle for the second wild card spot in the AL. Read More

This is actually the first FIBA World Cup ever. Sorta. From 1950 until 2010 this tournament was known as the FIBA World Championship, but FIBA decided to take a cue from its fubol hermanos, and alas, the FIBA World Cup was born. In the 16 previous editions of this tournament, the big winners were Yugoslavia with five gold medals, next up has been the United States with four gold medals, and the Soviet Union notched three wins back in the days when the Soviet Union was a thing. The United States is your defending champion, although 2010 Tournament MVP Kevin Durant is not on the American roster this year. We’re going to take a thumbnail look at each group and project those who will advance to the do-or-die tournament portion of The Cup. Remember, the first week (beginning Saturday, August 30^th) will be round-robin group play, and the top 4 teams from each group will advance to a 16-team single elimination tournament beginning Saturday, September 6^th. The final is Sunday, September 14^th. We’ll keep you updated on the tourney and informed on how Andre Drummond and Team USA are faring right here on detroitsports1051.com. Or you could follow me on twitter @jakepistons. Or do both. Yeah, definitely both. Read More