The Detroit Pistons (2-7) welcome the Cleveland Cavaliers (6-1) to Little Caesars Arena Friday. Tip is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Cavaliers vs. Pistons odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Cavaliers are coming into this game with the 2nd-best record in the NBA and 1 of just 3 teams with 1 or zero losses on the season.
Cleveland has been led by star G Donovan Mitchell. who is averaging 31.1 points and 7.1 assists per game his season. The return of G Darius Garland last game helped the Cavs top Boston in overtime.
Detroit is tied for the worst record in the Eastern Conference. They have just 2 wins this season, but both of those were at home.
Detroit is led by F Bojan Bogdanovic, who is averaging 21.8 points per game, and former No. 1 overall pick G Cade Cunningham, who is averaging 21.7 PPG.
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Cavaliers at Pistons odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:13 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cavaliers -280 (bet $280 to win $100) | Pistons +215 (bet $100 to win $215)
- Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers -7.5 (-101) | Pistons +7.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 222.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Cavaliers at Pistons key injuries
Cavaliers
- G Darius Garland (knee) questionable
- G Donovan Mitchell (ankle) questionable
Pistons
- C Marvin Bagley III (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Cavaliers at Pistons picks and predictions
Prediction
Cavaliers 114, Pistons 110
Moneyline
PASS.
The Pistons could be a strong lean here, but I don’t think +215 is good enough value to take, especially considering both the questionable stars seem likely to take the court for Cleveland.
Against the spread
BET PISTONS +6.5 (-120).
The Cavaliers have their best 2 offensive players on the injury report, and even if they play, a knee and ankle injury do not heal overnight. They could see reduced minutes, and that could be the difference in the Pistons covering.
Detroit has the 2nd-worst defensive rating in the NBA, but it has played much better at home and has the 11th-best offensive rebounding rate which should help produce extra opportunities. It also ranks 13th in turnover rate which is a huge advantage. The Pistons are a 3-1 ATS as the home team.
The Pistons shoot better at home and play better at home. Against a surging Cavs team that should be darlings for the public, I would back PISTONS +6.5 (-120).
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 222.5 (-110).
The Cavaliers had the 5th-best defensive rating in the NBA last season and had the 3rd-best under-covering rate. They are 5-2 O/U this season. The addition of Mitchell has changed everything about this team offensively.
Mitchell isn’t a great defender, so they take a step backward in that department. The Cavaliers have the 4th-worst turnover rate, and the Pistons, with young guns like Cunningham and G Jaden Ivey, will look to push the pace.
Detroit ranks 13th in pace, and both teams sit in the top half of the league in offensive rebounding. Turnovers should lead to a quick pace and points, and both teams are good at rebounding. The Pistons are also 4-0 O/U at home.
Combine it all, and I’ll back the Over 222.5 (-110).
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