The Toronto Raptors (34-14) come off a Thursday night victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers to play the Detroit Pistons (17-32) Friday at Little Caesars Arena. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Raptors-Pistons sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
Raptors at Pistons: Key Injuries
Raptors
- C Marc Gasol (hamstring) questionable
- PF Dewan Hernandez (ankle) out
- SF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (ankle) questionable
Pistons
- SF Bruce Brown (thumb) available
- PF Blake Griffin (knee) out
- SG Luke Kennard (knee) out
- PF Markieff Morris (illness) questionable
- SF Khyri Thomas (foot) out
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Raptors at Pistons: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Raptors 112, Pistons 104
Moneyline (ML)
Being on the second half of a back-to-back has boosted the RAPTORS’ (-208) odds for the outright win. Toronto is second in the Eastern Conference, on a nine-game winning streak and 17-7 on the road for the season. The disappointing Pistons (+170) are 10th in the conference, riding a four-game losing skid and are just 9-16 at Little Caesars Arena.
Detroit is coming off a 125-115 road loss against the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday. The Raptors have won both of the season’s first two head-to-head meetings by double digits, winning 125-113 Oct. 30 and 112-99 Dec. 18. Toronto is 4-3 straight up when on the second half of a back-to-back and it is 5-4 SU with a rest disadvantage. Detroit is an unimpressive 3-5 with a rest advantage. Roll with the visitors at a higher number than what they should have.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Raptors to win outright returns a profit of $4.80.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
Toronto failed to cover Thursday as a 10.5-point favorite against the Cavs. Friday’s spread is much tighter and based on the head-to-head play of the two teams this season, we’re backing the RAPTORS (-4.5, -115) to win by at least 5 points. The Raps have played within a 5-point margin just once during their nine-game winning streak. The Pistons’ last seven losses were all decided by margins of at least 5 points.
Toronto is 27-21 against the spread overall and 12-12 on the road. Detroit is just 17-31-1 ATS overall and 9-15 at home.
Over/Under (O/U)
Take the UNDER 223.5 (-115) on a high projection. The Raps are 3-4 against the Over/Under on no rest, while falling an average of 8.1 points below the projected totals in those games.
Esten’s NBA betting record: 167-140
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