The Houston Rockets (4-9) are in the Motor City Friday for a 7 p.m. ET game against the Detroit Pistons (3-11) at Little Caesars Arena. Below, we analyze the Rockets-Pistons NBA odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
After winning their first game without G James Harden, the Rockets have lost three straight (0-3 against the spread). The Rockets’ lack of continuity under the first-year head coach Stephen Silas is evident by their last-place ranking in assist to turnover ratio over the past four games. One of the players acquired in the Harden deal—SG Victor Oladipo—is averaging 27 points, 5 rebounds and 7.5 assists in his two games with Houston.
The Pistons choked away a 14-point lead with 5:03 remaining—in which they had a 98.9% win probability according to ESPN—to lose to the Atlanta Hawks 123-115 in overtime as 4.5-point road underdogs. Detroit was massively out-rebounded and Atlanta shot twice as many free throws.
The last time these two teams met was Dec. 14, 2019. Rockets C Christian Wood was coming off the bench for the Pistons at the time and no one aside from PF Blake Griffin in Detroit’s current starting lineup is still with the team. Houston hasn’t covered in its last six games vs. Detroit.
Rockets at Pistons: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Rockets +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Pistons -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Rockets +2.5 (-110) | Pistons -2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 214.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Rockets at Pistons: Key Injuries
Rockets
- C Christian Wood (ankle) out
- PG John Wall (knee) out
- PG Dante Exum (calf) out
- SF Danuel House Jr. (self-isolating) out
Pistons
- SF Josh Jackson (quadriceps) probable
- PG Killian Hayes (hip) out
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Rockets at Pistons: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Rockets 118, Pistons 113
Money line (ML)
PASS ON THE Money line.
I’m taking Detroit to cover the spread and regardless of what I say below, there’s no way I’m going to lay more than -120 on a 3-11 Pistons team. Houston has more talent but is just a mess offensively because of its lack of a point guard.
Against the spread (ATS)
Detroit’s defense creates a lot of havoc—second in defensive turnover percentage—while Houston is reckless with the ball (26th in offensive turnover percentage). Also, the Pistons score the fourth-most points off of turnovers per game and the Rockets are 26th in points off of turnovers allowed per game.
Furthermore, the revenge game for Wood is out of the question since he’s sidelined with an ankle injury. Even without the revenge angle, Wood is averaging 23.5 points per game, which is technically third on the team but behind Harden and Oladipo. Wood’s absence is major since it forces C DeMarcus Cousins into the starting lineup.
TAKE PISTONS -2.5 (-110) for 1 unit.
Over/Under (O/U)
Neither one of these teams can play defense and there’s a bunch of familiar faces on both sides. It’s going to be like a throwback game from the mid-2010s.
I see this game going OVER 214.5 (-115) and being an oddly fun game to watch. Outside of Pistons SF Jerami Grant and, sometimes C Mason Plumlee, no one is playing defense out there.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Also see:
- Viewership for NBA national TV games up to begin 2020-21 season (Rookie Wire)
- Hoops Hype Rumors: Rockets | Pistons
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