The Miami Heat (11-6) travel to Little Caesars Arena Tuesday to take on the Detroit Pistons (4-12). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Heat at Pistons odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
After a feisty altercation between LeBron James and Pistons big Isaiah Stewart Sunday, one that went viral, the Pistons will be down a starter at home.
Up 15 points heading into the fourth, the chaos clearly impacted Detroit’s play, letting that lead slip and losing by five. That said, Pistons’ No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham is starting to show his superstar upside. The Pistons are 7-9 ATS and 8-7-1 (O/U).
As for the Heat, they’ll be almost at full strength with Jimmy Butler returning a few games ago. Miami is currently sitting in third place in a competitive Eastern Conference. The Heat lost to Washington in their last game.
Miami is 12-5 ATS and 10-7 O/U. However, they’re just 5-5 on the road as compared to 6-1 at home, so an energized Pistons team, despite entering as heavy underdogs, has a chance for the upset.
Heat at Pistons odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:25 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Heat -475 (bet $475 to win $100) | Pistons +340 (bet $100vto win $340)
- Against the spread (ATS): Heat -9.5 (-115) | Pistons +9.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 208.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Heat at Pistons key injuries
Heat
- G Duncan Robinson (knee) questionable
- G Victor Oladipo (knee) out
Pistons
- G Killian Hayes (thumb) out
- F Kelly Olynyk (knee) out
- C Isaiah Stewart (suspension) out
Heat at Pistons odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Heat 107, Pistons 100
Money line
PASS on the money line. While I like Miami to win, the Heat haven’t played well on the road.
For that matter, I don’t trust any NBA team in the regular season enough to lay -475. Also, I don’t feel confident enough that Detroit has the size or talent to handle the Heat.
Look to the points for value.
Against the spread
BET the PISTONS +9.5 (-107) as Jerami Grant and Cunningham are starting to be the leaders Detroit hoped for. Cunningham has put up double figures in eight of his last nine games.
Cunningham had his first career triple-double in Detroit’s previous game vs. the Lakers. More surprising, Cunningham is hitting 50% of his shots in three of his last six games. As for Grant, he should be able to hang with Butler.
Also, Miami’s struggles on the road are notable. The Heat have the second-best net rating at home. However, Miami ranks fifth in net rating on the road. The Heat have been able to eke out road wins but aren’t nearly as dominant.
While I do believe Miami will get the win, covering a 9.5-point spread isn’t easy in the NBA. The Pistons have lost seven of 16 games by double figures.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the UNDER 208.5 (-108) despite the total being on the relatively low side. While Cunningham and Grant have performed well recently, I just can’t trust that they’ll continue to do so.
Additionally, if Robinson, a key for the Heat’s offensive spacing and movement, doesn’t play then Miami’s offense will suffer.
The Pistons have the second-worst true shooting percentage. They have the third-worst offensive rating as well. With Robinson a question mark and the Heat a top-tier defensive team, I’d lean the Under.
Also, the Pistons have scored less than 100 points eight times this season and have scored less than 103 points 10 times. Their offensive outlook is not great.
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional NBA sports coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | LeBron Wire | Lonzo Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]