The Golden State Warriors (13-2) travel to Little Caesars Arena Friday to take on the Detroit Pistons (4-10). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Warriors vs. Pistons odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
Two-time MVP Stephen Curry ended up playing Thursday for the Warriors despite being listed as questionable. Although the Cleveland Cavaliers were down three of their top-five scorers, they took a lead into the half.
A 36-8 fourth quarter from Golden State showed exactly why it’s the best team on earth. This team is borderline unstoppable with the league’s best defensive rating and a top-five offensive rating.
The Warriors enter as heavy road favorites. The Pistons have seen No. 1 overall draft pick G Cade Cunningham drastically improve since finding his footing in the NBA. Jerami Grant is also a bonafide All-Star-caliber forward.
They’re no team to laugh at, but they’ll still be heavily outmatched against the Warriors. There could be some potential for Detroit to stay competitive though with Golden State on the second day of back-to-back games.
Warriors 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 8:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Warriors -340 (bet $340 to win $100) | Pistons +260 (bet $100 to win $260)
- Against the spread (ATS): Warriors -7.5 (-107) | Pistons +7.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 209.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Warriors at Pistons key injuries
Warriors (projected – not officially submitted)
- G Klay Thompson (Achilles) out
- C James Wiseman (knee) out
- G Steph Curry (hip) questionable
- F Andre Iguodala (hip) questionable
Pistons
- F Kelly Olynyk (knee) out
Warriors at Pistons odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Warriors 108, Pistons 98
Money line
PASS on the money line as -340 for Golden State is too pricey for a regular-season NBA game despite it being lower than expected.
It’s certainly possible Curry rests Friday after being listed as questionable but suiting up against Cleveland Thursday. While the home underdog is in a nice position for an upset at +260, Golden State has just looked too dominant to bet against.
Against the spread
BET on the WARRIORS -7.5 (-107) as the best value on the table.
The Pistons are the worst shooting team in the NBA despite recent improvements, and the Warriors are clearly the best defensive squad through the early season.
F Draymond Green recently held Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant to his worst shooting night of the season and he should draw the assignment of defending Grant. If Grant doesn’t have Green on him he’s likely to see the much-improved F Andrew Wiggins, and life won’t be easy either way.
Considering what they showed against Cleveland when faced with adversity and their defensive aptitude combined with Detroit’s league-worst shooting, the Warriors should be getting more than just 7.5 points.
Over/Under
BET on the UNDER 209.5 (-107) as the better value on the total.
The Warriors’ defensive play is no joke. Golden State has kept three of its last four opponents to fewer than 100 points, including holding Cleveland to 89 points Thursday and Brooklyn to just 99 Tuesday.
Despite the third-worst offensive rating, Detroit ranks marginally better at 21st in defensive rating. They should be able to limit the Warriors a little with big Isaiah Stewart and Grant showing flashes defensively,
However, it’s really on if Detroit can muster up a plan to slow down the red-hot Curry if he plays. He put up 40 points against Cleveland Thursday, and the Under still hit. You can still play this one despite it being a lower total.
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