The Cleveland Cavaliers (30-19) travel to Little Caesars Arena Sunday to take on the Detroit Pistons (11-37). Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Cavaliers vs. Pistons odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Cavaliers are coming into this game well-rested following a 16-point victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on January 26. They were 4-point underdogs. Covering has been typical for Cleveland this season as its 30-17-2 against the spread (ATS).
The Cavs are just 4-3-1 ATS as a road favorite though. They’ve been so dominant behind their top-three defense, which currently allows the second-fewest points per game in the league.
As for the Pistons, they’re coming into this battle off a 16-point road loss to the Orlando Magic. However, they’ve covered four of their last five and are 24-24 ATS on the season.
The Pistons have struggled for the better part of the year because of their inefficiency. They rank second-to-last in true shooting percentage.
Cavaliers at Pistons odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 11 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Cavaliers -380 (bet $100 to win $380) | Pistons +290 (bet $100 to win $290)
- Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers -7.5 (-115) | Pistons +7.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 207.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Cavaliers at Pistons key injuries
Cavaliers
- F Lauri Markkanen (ankle) out
- G Collin Sexton (knee) out
Pistons
- F Kelly Olynyk (reconditioning) out
- F Jerami Grant (reconditioning) out
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Cavaliers at Pistons odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Cavaliers 108, Pistons 95
Money line
PASS on the money line.
The Pistons are much better at home, 7-15 straight up. So, even though I like this position for Cleveland, betting them at -380 doesn’t make much sense. Similarly, I don’t find value in Detroit +290.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to the CAVALIERS -7.5 (-115).
Cleveland has the second-best defense in the NBA, holding two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks to 99 points. Meanwhile, the Pistons gave up 119 to the Magic.
The Cavs are going to make it tough for the Pistons to score, and considering how inefficient they’ve been this season, I wouldn’t bet on their ability to consistently break down a top-tier defense.
Similarly, the Cavs are one of the best teams in the league ATS. They’re 15-8-2 ATS on the road this season. Cleveland also ranks 11th in points in the paint, whereas the Pistons rank 23rd in opponents’ points in the paint.
The size and skill advantage go to Cleveland. The Cavs should be able to run away with this one.
Over/Under
BET on the UNDER 207.5 (-108).
As noted, the Cavaliers have the second-best defense in the league. They also rank in the top ten in opponents’ field goal and three-point field goal percentages.
At the same time, Cleveland ranks 24th in pace. Couple that with the fact that their O/U is 18-31 this season, and points should be scarce. The Cavs Under has hit in four of their last five. Detroit’s O/U is 8-10 as home underdogs.
The Pistons are 5-5 O/U over the past 10 as well.
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