Preview: NBA Showdown in Chicago Features Surging Pistons, Struggling Bulls CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons, riding one of the league’s hottest stretches, visit the struggling Chicago Bulls on Saturday at United Center. The Pistons (41-13) enter with the NBA’s best record and have won 10 of their last 12 games. Their most recent outing was a dominant 126-111 road victory over the New York Knicks on Thursday. Detroit’s success is fueled by superstar guard Cade Cunningham, who is playing at an MVP level. In the win over New York, he posted 42 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds. Over his last 10 games, Cunningham is averaging 28.8 points and 9.9 assists. Conversely, the Bulls (24-32) have lost seven of their last eight games, including a 110-101 home loss to Toronto on Thursday. Chicago has struggled defensively during the skid, allowing an average of 122.6 points in those eight contests. Forward Jalen Smith, averaging a double-double in recent weeks, will be a key factor. He had nine points and 10 rebounds against the Raptors. The season series favors Detroit, which has won two of three meetings. The Pistons won the last two matchups decisively: 124-113 on Nov. 12 and 108-93 on Jan. 7. Chicago’s lone win came in the season opener, 115-111, at home on Oct. 22. For Detroit, the game is part of a critical stretch to solidify its top playoff seeding. The Bulls, fading from the play-in picture, are in desperate need of a statement win to halt their slide. Containing Cunningham is Chicago’s foremost challenge, while the Pistons must navigate a potential trap game against a wounded division rival before returning home for a tough matchup with San Antonio on Monday. Saturday’s tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CST at United Center. The game will be broadcast on local sports networks.