Whereas the Mavericks are essentially the most miserable NBA storyline this season, the Pistons have turn out to be maybe the only most nice shock. After profitable a league-low 14 video games final yr, Detroit is 35-27 and headed towards one of many largest turnarounds in NBA historical past.
The betting market has not totally adjusted. The Pistons are 35-25-2 towards the purpose unfold (ATS), which ranks fourth finest. That features an 8-1 ATS run of their previous 9 video games, and I don’t see any cause to suppose they decelerate.
Detroit visits the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday as a small favourite. I’m backing the Pistons, hoping to construct on my 30-16 ATS report in The Submit’s sports activities part.
The Clippers are spiraling, having misplaced six of their previous seven video games after Tuesday’s street loss to the Phoenix Suns. Compounding that is Norm Powell and Derrick Jones Jr. battling accidents which have compelled them to overlook motion. Powell is unlikely to face the Pistons, whereas Jones is questionable. Moreover, well being prevents Kawhi Leonard from taking part in on consecutive nights so he received’t play both.
This all leaves the Clippers as a median staff, at finest. James Harden is their important offensive weapon and he’s as unreliable as they arrive. Middle Ivica Zubac is strong and underrated, whereas position gamers Kris Dunn, Nicolas Batum, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Amir Coffey are all expert however have low ceilings.
In the meantime, this Pistons staff is way extra proficient than informal followers notice. Rising star Cade Cunningham would be the finest participant on the court docket, and all of the items match extraordinarily nicely round him. Moreover, the bench has been bolstered all through the season and is now not a weak spot.
Betting on the NBA?
The Pistons have scored at the least 112 factors in 15 of their previous 16 video games. The outlier was a house recreation towards the Clippers, who’ve a stout protection and rank fourth in effectivity. Nonetheless, Detroit ranks ninth and the hole in offensive effectivity rankings closely favors the Pistons. That’s the distinction for me, particularly with L.A. taking part in on consecutive nights and having to journey.
The play: Pistons -1.5 (-110, DraftKings)
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