The Detroit Pistons will take on the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Pistons-Raptors prediction and pick.
These teams have had very different seasons so far. The Pistons have of course been one of the worst teams in the NBA, earning a 15-47 record. This was also going to be a rebuilding season for Detroit, so it's not all that surprising. Toronto, on the other hand, would scrape their way into the playoffs if they started today. The Raptors are currently the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference with a 34-27 record, and they just notched two huge wins. Toronto managed to beat the Brooklyn Nets twice in a row, which should give them plenty of confidence heading into this matchup with the Pistons.
Here are the Pistons-Raptors NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Pistons-Raptors Odds
Detroit Pistons: +9 (-112)
Toronto Raptors: -9 (-108)
Over: 218 (-110)
Under: 218 (-110)
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Why The Pistons Could Cover The Spread
Despite the All-Star Break just ending, the Raptors are dealing with a couple of key injuries. Starting small forward OG Anunoby has already been ruled out of this contest, and star shooting guard Fred VanVleet is questionable for this game. VanVleet leads the team in points per game and assists per game, and Anunoby averages a whopping 36 minutes per game. Missing both of them would be a devastating blow to the Raptors. Guard Malachi Flynn and forward Scottie Barnes will be forced into huge minutes in this matchup.
While the Pistons do have a completely terrible record, their numbers against the spread aren't nearly as bad. Detroit is 30-31-1 against the spread on the season, which places them right in the middle of the pack. The last two times the Pistons have faced a spread similar to this one, they've covered. Now they face a team that will likely be playing without two of its best players. This isn't the worst spot to take the Pistons in.
Why The Raptors Could Cover The Spread
Toronto has nearly every single statistical advantage in this game, but their biggest edge will come on the defensive end of the court. The Raptors currently allow 107 points per game while allowing their opponents to shoot 46% from the field. Toronto's defense also racks up nine steals per game, one of the highest numbers in the league. Detroit turns the ball over at a ridiculously high rate, so the Raptors should be able to control this game on defense throughout the contest.
The Raptors aren't the only team dealing with injuries. Two key backups are questionable on the Pistons, including Marvin Bagley and Frank Jackson. Both guys will probably miss this game, leaving Detroit even more shorthanded than usual. The Pistons obviously aren't a team loaded with talent, so guys like Rodney McGruder and Isaiah Livers will likely have to see big minutes in this game. That doesn't sound like a recipe for success, no matter who the Pistons are playing.
Final Pistons-Raptors Prediction & Pick
Neither of these teams looks particularly appealing here. Both are dealing with injuries, and the spread is a large one. For those reasons, the under is the best pick on the board. Detroit should struggle offensively as they do in most contests, and the Raptors are missing two key scorers because of injury.
Final Pistons-Raptors Pick: Under: 218 (-110)
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