Washington Wizards at Detroit Pistons odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Washington Wizards at Detroit Pistons sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Washington Wizards (9-20) and Detroit Pistons (11-20) tip it off at Little Caesars Arena at 7 p.m. ET Thursday. We analyze the Wizards-Pistons odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.


Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.


Wizards at Pistons: Key injuries

Wizards

  • SF Davis Bertans (quadriceps) out
  • C Thomas Bryant (foot) out
  • PF Rui Hachimura (groin) out
  • SG Jordan McRae (finger) questionable
  • SG C.J. Miles (wrist) out
  • PG Isaiah Thomas suspension
  • Moritz Wagner (ankle) out
  • PG John Wall (Achilles) out

Pistons

  • PG Jordan Bone (knee) doubtful
  • PF Bruce Brown (calf) questionable
  • PF Blake Griffin (flu) probable
  • SG Reggie Jackson (back) out
  • SF Luke Kennard (knee) out
  • SF Khyri Thomas (foot) out
  • Christian Wood (knee) probable

Wizards at Pistons: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated 1 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Wizards 128, Pistons 119

Moneyline (ML)

The WIZARDS (+220) just beat the Pistons (-278) by a 133-119 score Dec. 19 at LCA, and they’re 2-0 SU/ATS vs. Detroit this season. What you have to like about Washington is its bombs away perimeter shooting. It ranks third from behind the 3-point line, while the Pistons are a dismal 23rd in 3-pointer defense.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Wizards to win outright returns a profit of $22.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The WIZARDS (+5.5, -106) are a nice play against the spread. As mentioned, they’re 2-0 ATS against the Pistons (-5.5, -115), who enter the game on a five-game losing skid while also going 0-5 ATS. They have averaged just 105.4 PPG in the past five while allowing 120.6 PPG.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 231.5 (-106) is where it’s at. The Pistons are terrible defensively, especially lately, while the Wizards have been dropping in plenty of triples. Washington was 18-of-34 (53.0 percent) from behind the 3-point line in the Dec. 16 meeting. The offenses might not be as prolific in this one, but an Over bet is still the way to go.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Philadelphia 76ers at Detroit Pistons odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Philadelphia 76ers at Detroit Pistons sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Philadelphia 76ers (21-10) visit the Detroit Pistons (11-19) Monday at Little Caesars Arena for a 7 p.m. tip-off. We analyze the 76ers-Pistons odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.


Special Christmas Day NBA Prop Bet

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76ers at Pistons: Key injuries

76ers

  • SG Matisse Thybulle (knee) out

Pistons

  • PF Blake Griffin (illness) questionable
  • SG Reggie Jackson (back) out
  • SG Luke Kennard (knee) questionable
  • PG Derrick Rose (knee) questionable
  • SF Khyri Thomas (foot) out
  • Christian Wood (knee) out

76ers at Pistons: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Prediction

76ers 118, Pistons 104

Moneyline (ML)

The 76ers (-303) are going to win comfortably over the grossly undermanned Pistons (+230). Philadelphia is coming off a 125-108 victory over the Washington Wizards Saturday, which snapped a three-game losing streak. Detroit has dropped four straight games over which time they’ve had four different leading scorers as a result of the rash of injuries. The Sixers are just 6-8 on the road; the Pistons are a meager 7-9 on home court.

The 76ers claimed a 117-111 victory in the first meeting of the year between the two sides Oct. 26. SF Tobias Harris led the way with 29 points. While we like the Sixers to win, we’ll PASS on this bet as it’s just too much chalk to swallow. A $10 bet returns a profit of $3.30 with a simple outright win.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The spread is where we’ll use the Pistons’ injuries to our advantage and back the SIXERS (-6.5, -120). Philadelphia is just 13-15 against the spread overall and 5-8 on the road while Detroit is 11-18 ATS overall and 7-8 at home. The Pistons haven’t been able to stay within 11 points in any of their four recent losses and the 76ers will need to win by just 7 points for a $10 bet to return a profit of $8.30.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U is off the board as of publication. Philadelphia is 15-15-1 against the Over/Under on the year while Detroit is 16-14-0. There will be plenty of room for the Sixers to operate at the offensive end of the floor.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 115-77

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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Report: Joel Embiid listed as questionable for game against Pistons

Joel Embiid could miss the Sixers’ game against the Detroit Pistons on Monday due to an illness.

The Philadelphia 76ers might not have star big man Joel Embiid available Monday to defend the paint against Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin.

According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Embiid is questionable (illness) for the Sixers’ road game against the Detroit Pistons. Per Pompey, Embiid did not participate in the Sixers’ shootaround.

Embiid missed the Sixers’ game against the Brooklyn Nets on Dec. 15 due to an upper respiratory illness.

The Sixers ended a three-game losing streak Saturday with a win over the Washington Wizards. Embiid posted his 20th double-double of the season, scoring 21 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. It was also the 17th time this season Embiid has scored at least 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Embiid’s importance to the Sixers is significant on both ends of the floor. He’s the team’s leading scorer, rebounder and shot blocker. The Sixers are 3-3 this season when he hasn’t played.

With the Sixers having one of the biggest teams in the league, their offense is different compared to teams that like shooting threes. Rather, feeding Embiid is the No. 1 priority; he has the highest usage percentage on the team (30.8%).

The Sixers don’t shoot many threes and rank 26th in 3-point attempts. Philly is a solid shooting team, though, as it’s ranked 10th in 3-point field goal percentage.

But since Philly’s offense is built around Embiid and his success, his health going forward will be of the utmost importance.

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Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Chicago Bulls (11-19) visit the Detroit Pistons (11-18) Saturday at 7 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena. We analyze Bulls-Pistons odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

The Bulls rallied from 18 points down in the fourth quarter to beat the Washington Wizards 110-109 in overtime Wednesday. Lauri Markkanen finished with 31 points in the win as Chicago improved to 1-1 on this four-game road trip.

The Pistons lost 114-93 Friday night at the Boston Celtics. It was their third loss in a row. Detroit was without three starters – Blake Griffin, Luke Kennard and Reggie Jackson – due to injuries.


Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.


Bulls at Pistons: Key injuries

Bulls

  • PG Ryan Arcidiacono (elbow) probable
  • C Wendell Carter Jr. (abdominal) probable
  • SF Chandler Hutchison (shoulder) out
  • SG Zach LaVine (shin) probable
  • SF Otto Porter Jr. (foot) out

Pistons

  • PF Blake Griffin (knee) questionable
  • PG Reggie Jackson (back) out
  • SG Luke Kennard (knee) questionable
  • SG Khyri Thomas (foot) out
  • C Christian Wood (knee) out

Bulls at Pistons: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Pistons 109, Bulls 102

Moneyline (ML)

AVOID. With the uncertainty of Griffin and Kennard, the Pistons’ -150 is not worth the risk. Every $1.50 wagered on the Detroit ML would profit $1 if it wins. Detroit is only 7-8 at home, while the Bulls (+125) are just 5-9 on the road.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The PISTONS (-2.5, -115) are the STRONGEST PLAY if Griffin and Kennard return. With the back-to-back games, Detroit sat them both Friday in hopes of having them ready and rested for Saturday’s home tilt. The Bulls won the first two meetings of the season vs. the Pistons – both in Chicago – but they have won consecutive games only once this season. Thus, the trend leans toward the Pistons, but Griffin and Kennard have to play. Keep an eye out for their availability status as game time nears.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 214.5 (-125) is the play. The Bulls average 105.6 points per game, while the Pistons average 108.4 points per game. The Bulls are 14-16 against the O/U on the season and 7-7 O/U on the road. The Pistons are 15-14 O/U overall and 8-6 O/U at home. With the Pistons playing Friday night, it’s hard to imagine a fast-pace game for 48 minutes.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Johnny’s December record: 12-3-1. Strongest plays: 6-1.

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Tatum, Brown combine for 52 points as Boston routes Pistons 114-93

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored 26 points through the first three-quarters of Boston’s blowout win over the Pistons.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were so productive through the first three quarters that Boston didn’t need either of them in the fourth, as the Celtics routed Detroit 114-93.

Tatum and Brown made up the bulk of the scoring for Boston, with each of them putting up 26 points through the first three quarters.

The only other player in double-digits for the Celtics was Grant Williams, who came off the bench to score 18, a new career-high for the rookie.

It wasn’t points, but Enes Kanter grabbed double-digit rebounds, pulling down 18 of the team’s 51 boards.

Kemba Walker struggled from the floor on Friday night, going 0-of-6. His only two points of the game came from the free-throw line, although he did dish out 11 assists.

Boston was also playing without Gordon Hayward, who was out again with a sore left foot, and Marcus Smart, who is still dealing with a left eye infection.

However, it wasn’t Hayward or Smart that fans most wanted to see.

Chants of “We want Tacko!” rained down inside TD Garden during the fourth quarter.

Fans got their wish with 4:31 remaining in the game. Brad Stevens even got in on the fun, motioning for fans to cheer and get louder before motioning for Fall to check into the game.

Those left inside TD Garden responded accordingly.

Fall finished with five points and two rebounds.

After dropping back-to-back games, Boston has now won two straight. The Celtics improve to 19-7 on the year and 11-1 at home.

They are back in action on Sunday when they host the Hornets at 5 p.m. ET.

Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Detroit Pistons (11-17) visit the Boston Celtics (18-7) Friday at TD Garden for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Pistons-Celtics odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.


Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.


Pistons at Celtics: Key injuries

Pistons

  • PF Blake Griffin (knee) doubtful
  • PG Reggie Jackson (back) out
  • SG Luke Kennard (knee) doubtful
  • SF Khyri Thomas (foot) out
  • C Christian Wood (knee) out

Celtics

  • SF Gordon Hayward (foot) questionable
  • C Vincent Poirier (finger) out
  • PG Marcus Smart (eye) out
  • SG Brad Wanamaker (ankle) probable
  • C Robert Williams (hip) out

Pistons at Celtics: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Celtics 108, Pistons 96

Moneyline (ML)

The Celtics (-500) are 10-1 at home for the season, 7-3 across their last 10 games overall and coming off a 109-103 victory over the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday. The Pistons (+360) are just 4-9 on the road, 5-5 across their last 10 games and coming off back-to-back losses to the Washington Wizards (133-119) and Toronto Raptors (112-99). They’re also likely to still be without their top star in Griffin.

Boston wins this handily, but there’s far too much chalk built into the moneyline odds for the hosts. Play the spread which makes for a more competitive bet by spotting the visitors several buckets.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Celtics to win outright returns a profit of just $2.

Against the Spread (ATS)

Back the CELTICS (-9.5, -106) to win by at least 10 points. They had done so in their last two victories before Wednesday’s six-point win over a much better Mavericks squad. The Pistons’ last four losses were all by margins greater than 8 points

Boston is 15-8 ATS for the season and 7-3 ATS at home. Detroit is just 11-16 ATS overall and 4-8 on the road.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 212.5 (+105) with both teams coming off a day of rest and ready for a strong defensive effort. Detroit is 15-13 against the Over/Under for the season but it’s likely to remain without Griffin and was held below 100 points last time out for the first time since Nov. 23.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 106-73

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2017]

Toronto Raptors at Detroit Pistons odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Toronto Raptors at Detroit Pistons sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Detroit Pistons (11-16) host the Toronto Raptors (18-8) Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena. Tip-off is set for shortly after 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Raptors-Pistons odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.


Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.


Raptors at Pistons: Key injuries

Raptors

  • PG Fred VanVleet (knee) doubtful
  • SG Matt Thomas (finger) out

Pistons

  • Andre Drummond (eye) questionable
  • PF Blake Griffin (knee) questionable
  • SG Reggie Jackson (back) out

Raptors at Pistons: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 12:50 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Raptors 124, Pistons 107

Moneyline (ML)

The RAPTORS (-167) are moderate road favorites. The visitors enter the day on a two-game winning streak and with a 7-5 road record for the season. The Pistons (+140) lost 133-119 to the Washington Wizards Monday. The Raps have also been off since Monday, when they trounced the Cleveland Cavaliers 133-113 on home court.

Detroit is an unimpressive 7-7 at home and is at risk of being without both Drummond and Griffin once again. The Raptors are healthier and are the better team overall.

Against the Spread (ATS)

Increase your profit margin on the spread by backing the RAPTORS (-4.5, +105) to win by at least 5 points. Toronto is 15-11 ATS overall and 5-7 ATS on the road. Detroit is just 11-15 ATS overall, but 7-6 ATS at home.

All but two of the Raptors’ 18 wins on the year were decided by at least 4 points. The Pistons have stayed within 4 points in a loss just thrice this year.

Over/Under (O/U)

Both teams hover right around the projected totals, with both sides topping the projected totals by less than 1 point per game. The Raps played to the Under in three of their last four games. The Pistons hit the Over twice in their last five outings.

Take the OVER 216.5 (-115) with the absence of Drummond and/or Griffin clearing the lanes for more interior scoring for the Raptors. The Pistons also need to rely more heavily on outside shooting, which can boost their pace and point total.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 100-69

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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All-Decade Power Rankings: Golden State Warriors rule the 2010s

The Golden State Warriors were easily the most dominant NBA team in the 2010s decade. What teams followed them? Our full rankings included.

 

 

2020 aggregate NBA mock draft 3.0: Michigan State players are climbing

After over a month of the college basketball season, we are starting to get a better picture of what the 2020 NBA Draft will look like.

After over a month of the college basketball season, we are starting to get a better picture of what the 2020 NBA draft will look like.

For example, Georgia Bulldogs freshman Anthony Edwards is beginning to separate himself as a near-consensus No. 1 overall pick. On the other side of the coin, though, several of the projected top selections (LaMelo Ball, James Wiseman, Cole Anthony and RJ Hampton) will miss extended time due to either injury or suspension.

In order to get a better read of the bigger picture, we collected opinions from the top experts and analysts that cover the draft. The latest 2020 NBA mock drafts from ESPNCBS SportsSI.comBleacher Report, NBADraft.net, The Athletic as well as USA Today Sports Media Group’s Rookie Wire were used for these rankings.

One of the most interesting takeaways is that the Michigan State Spartans have three players (Cassius Winston, Aaron Henry and Xavier Tillman) all trending up.

After making the Final Four in last year’s March Madness, the program was expected to take another leap forward for their 2019-20 campaign.

Despite three losses in their first 10 games, the Spartans still rank No. 15 overall this season. This can be attributed to the fact Michigan State currently has the third-best offense in college basketball, per KenPom.com.

They also have three of the most improved players since our last aggregate mock draft. The full list, and more on each of the MSU players moving up draft boards, is included below.

[protected-iframe id=”f33f3fcc96778b85aff7b04ba6ba4a39-85827622-84177787″ info=”https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/1112465/embed” frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”]

Cassius Winston, Guard

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

AMD Rank: 29

Since our last AMD, this has moved up 17 spots in our rankings.

Despite already being 21 years old, the 6-foot-1 guard currently has a first-round grade from ESPN as well as Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports.

Winston has been one of the best distributors since he began at MSU. 67.1 percent of all field goals for the Spartans have been assisted, which is the sixth-most among all teams so far this season. His career assist rate (44.1 percent) ranks No. 1 overall among all college players who have played at least 50 games since 2009-10, via Sports-Reference.

During his freshman season, he had the second-best assist rate (46.7 percent) in the NCAA. Then as a sophomore, his assist rate (43.5 percent) trailed only Trae Young for the best in college basketball. Last season, his assist mark (44.8 percent) ranked third-best and behind only Ja Morant among all who played for teams that made the tournament.

But he has also shown strength as one of the more accurate shooters in the NCAA.

Winston was 75-for-151 (49.7 percent) from beyond the arc in 2017-18. That helped him join the exclusive 50-40-90 club for field-goal percentage, three-point percentage and free-throw percentage. Even as a sophomore then, the guard was one of the few to have a membership with at least two three-point attempts per game.

There is some enough NBA readiness to show he can contribute right away for a winning team.

Aaron Henry, Wing

AMD Rank: 33

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Since our last AMD, this has moved up 26 spots in our rankings.

Henry was of the players who helped himself the most during the 2019 NCAA Tournament. Then a freshman, he put up 20 points with 6 rebounds and 6 assists during a victory over LSU.

While he has not yet taken the leap some expected as a sophomore, draft experts still have confidence in him as a prospect. His highest ranking right now comes from Jonathan Wasserman, who has him at No. 28 overall (via Bleacher Report):

“The eye test on Henry looks more convincing than the numbers. He isn’t a high-level creator, which limits him in Michigan State’s offense. But the 6’6″ guard is hitting open shots, capitalizing on driving lanes and making impact defensive plays. This late, teams will overlook Henry’s production for his fit.”

Perhaps the best news for the wing is that there is room for improvement. However, there have also been moments that show what Henry is capable of accomplishing at the next level.

This season, for example, the sophomore has been one of the most effective shooters off the catch. He is averaging 1.78 points per possession on catch-and-shoot attempts in a set offense, per Synergy Sports, which ranks in the 98th percentile.

Henry is also shooting 72.7 percent at the rim, which is an especially solid rate for a wing. Overall, he looks like someone capable of being a 3-and-D player in an NBA rotation.

Xavier Tillman, Big

AMD Rank: 50

Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Since our last AMD, this has moved up 13 spots in our rankings.

Michigan State has always been a team that plays better with Tillman on the court. Last season, for example, the big actually had the third-best box plus-minus in the NCAA — trailing only Zion Williamson and Brandon Clarke.

Jeremy Woo recently helped contextualize what professional teams may like about the 6-foot-8 junior (via SI.com):

“Tillman specializes in doing the dirty work and has been a largely unheralded yet invaluable piece of the Spartans’ success dating back to last season. He’s not particularly tall for a center but has a chance to be a quality rotational big in the pros with what he adds defensively and on the glass. Tillman has worked on extending his shooting range, and if he ends up being able to shoot the three, he’ll have a fairly strong window of opportunity as a role player. A lot of the things he does as a screener and defender don’t show up in the box score, and while he’ll never be more than a fourth or fifth offensive option, he might be able to thrive in that capacity.”

His best trait so far this season has been his ability to cut to the basket. He is shooting 15-for-17 (88.2 percent) on these attempts, per Synergy.

But he has also added value on the offensive glass and as a rim protector for Michigan State. His willingness and ability to make the most of time on the floor makes him a draftable professional prospect.

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Washington Wizards at Detroit Pistons odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Washington Wizards at Detroit Pistons sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Washington Wizards (7-17) visit the Detroit Pistons (11-15) Monday at Little Caesars Arena. Tip-off is scheduled at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Wizards-Pistons odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.


Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.


Wizards at Pistons: Key injuries

Wizards

  • PG Isaiah Thomas (calf) questionable
  • SF C.J. Miles (wrist) out
  • Moritz Wagner (ankle) out
  • Thomas Bryant (foot) out
  • SG Jordan McRae (finger) out
  • PG John Wall (Achilles) out

Pistons

  • Andre Drummond (eye) questionable
  • PF Blake Griffin (knee) questionable
  • PG Reggie Jackson (back) out
  • SG Khryi Thomas (foot) out

Wizards at Pistons: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Monday at 12:50 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Wizards 125, Pistons 117

Moneyline (ML)

The Pistons (-223) are sizable favorites coming off a 115-107 road victory over the Houston Rockets Saturday. They’re 6-4 over their last 10 games and 7-6 on home court for the season. The WIZARDS (+180) are on a four-game losing skid and are just 3-11 on the road. I like Washington in an upset spot with the Pistons’ two frontcourt stars in Griffin and Drummond not at 100%. The Wizards won the season’s first head-to-head meeting 115-99 in Washington in early November.

Washington plays to the league’s second-highest pace of 104.90 possessions per game while Detroit is 24th (99.08). The Wizards rank second in the Eastern Conference with 117.4 points per game, and without their top two interior defenders, the Pistons won’t be able to prevent the visitors from putting up an insurmountable score.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Wizards to win outright returns a profit of $18.

Against the Spread (ATS)

The spread is a much safer, if less profitable, play than the moneyline. Back the WIZARDS (+4.5, +105) to stay within 5 points in a loss or to win outright. The Wiz are 12-11 against the spread overall and 7-6 on the road. The Pistons are 11-14 ATS overall but 7-5 at home.

The quicker Wizards will be able to outlast the Pistons, especially if Drummond and Griffin need to sit out. If it’s unable to win outright, Washington will at least be able to add some late points to narrow the score.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 228.5 (-121). Detroit’s marquee injuries will open the paint for the Wizards. The Pistons are likely to rely more heavily on their shooting and, in turn, play to a quicker pace without either or both of the star big men.

The Wizards are 13-10-1 against the Over/Under for the year and top the projections by 8.8 PPG. The Pistons are 14-12 with a neutral point differential against the lines.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 91-65

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2017]