The Detroit Pistons (1-4) take on the Brooklyn Nets (3-3) in the second game of a back-to-back. Their Sunday game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Barclays Center. Below, we look at the Pistons vs. Nets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Pistons started the season with four straight losses but won their first game of the year Saturday night, 110-103, at home vs. the Orlando Magic.
Detroit is averaging only 97.2 points per game (PPG) this season, the third-lowest clip in the NBA. Only three Pistons players are averaging double digits in scoring, led by 17.3 PPG by F Jerami Grant.
The Nets have alternated wins and losses this season and are playing the third of a four-game homestand. They have not yet been over .500. PG Kyrie Irving has missed every game and SG James Harden is only averaging 18.7 PPG on 37.1% shooting so far this season.
Pistons at Nets odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:07 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Pistons +570 (bet $100 to win $570) | Nets -900 (bet $900 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pistons +11.5 (-108) | Nets -11.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 212.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Pistons at Nets key injuries
Pistons
- None affecting betting outcomes
Nets
- C Nicolas Claxton (illness) out
- G Kyrie Irving (personal) out
- F Paul Millsaps (personal) out
Pistons at Nets odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Nets 111, Pistons 98
Money line
PASS on the money line. There isn’t enough money to be made to risk betting the Nets, which is the logical pick.
Now, if you think the Pistons can win consecutive games on the second night of a back-to-back against one of the Eastern Conference title favorites, then you can take them on the money line for a huge payout.
The Nets have not yet won consecutive games this season and they are coming off a win. However, they are immensely more talented than the Pistons. look to the spread and the total.
Against the spread
The Pistons are 2-3 ATS this season and the Nets are 2-4 ATS. But, if the Nets got back on track as it appeared they did in their 105-98 win over the Pacers Friday night, the Pistons are in trouble.
Harden had 29 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists, but the tell-tale sign that he is turning things around is the fact he had 19 free-throw attempts in the game. He had 15 total free throws in the first five games of the year.
With Harden back to form and Kevin Durant averaging 28.5 PPG, the Pistons will not be able to keep up.
Take the NETS -11.5 (-112).
Over/Under
The Nets have not yet had a game this season hit the Over. The Pistons are 3-2 O/U, despite averaging only 97.2 PPG.
The Pistons, if they only score their season average, it will be hard to go Over the projected total.
Take UNDER 212.5 (-110).
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