On Thursday night, the Philadelphia 76ers (6-2) travel to the Little Caesars Arena to face the Detroit Pistons (1-6). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the 76ers vs. Pistons odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
Coming off a huge home win last night against the Chicago Bulls, who are now 6-2, the 76ers may in store for a trap game with many of their starters again out.
Three-time All-Star PG Ben Simmons has yet to play this season, but adding SF Tobias Harris to that absentee list makes life difficult for Philadelphia. However, they’re among the deepest teams in the league and must still find a way to come out on top.
For Detroit, their season has been disappointing, especially considering the struggles of top-overall pick SG Cade Cunningham. He’s scored just 8 points on the season and is 3-for-22 from the field.
They’re led by SF Jerami Grant, who has been their only reliable source of offense. Detroit will come is as moderate underdogs at home looking to pull off the upset.
76ers 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 2:15 p.m. ET.
- Money line: 76ers -220 (bet $220 to win $100) | Pistons +175 (bet $100 to win $175)
- Against the spread (ATS): 76ers -5.5 (-107) | Pistons +5.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 207.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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76ers at Pistons key injuries
76ers
- PG Ben Simmons (personal) out
- SF Tobias Harris (health and safety protocols) out
- SG Danny Green (hamstring) out
Pistons
- None impacting gambling odds
76ers at Pistons odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
76ers 108, Pistons 97
Money line
PASS on the money line.
I usually like dogs in this scenario, but the Pistons at +175 isn’t rich enough. A one-win team going against arguably the deepest in the conference is too risky. I’d look to the points in this one.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to the SIXERS -5.5 (-107) as the better side of this spread.
Most of the reasoning stems from this exact situation happening earlier this week. The Pistons faced an injured Bucks team and were absolutely throttled.
Cunningham hasn’t shown much success, neither has second-year G Killian Hayes. On top of that, with G Tyrese Maxey and then several other quality shooters, the Sixers are loaded with depth.
They also have the top offensive rating in the NBA with the Pistons in the bottom ten in defensive rating. I expect another double-figure win as Detroit may be the worst team in the NBA.
Over/Under
BET on the UNDER 207.5 (-112) as Detroit’s offense is just too bad to bet on. They’ve scored under 92 in four of seven games this season.
With the worst defensive rating in the NBA and one go-to option, I’m betting against Detroit. The last time these two played, which was earlier this season, the Pistons lost 110-102. Harris scored 17 in that one.
While Philadelphia has the league’s best offensive rating, playing through MVP candidate Embiid, they have the slowest pace in the league.
Combine their style of play and Detroit’s offense, I’m betting the Under as the best value in this one.
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