The Toronto Raptors will take on the Detroit Pistons in an Eastern Conference battle. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Raptors-Pistons prediction and pick.
A recent winning streak has lifted the Raptors out of the cellar of the east. Toronto has won six of their last seven games, with their only loss in that stretch coming against the Phoenix Suns. After that recent winning tear, the Raptors are 20-18 and in the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, ahead of teams like the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks. The Pistons haven't had nearly as much success this season, but that's not unexpected. Detroit is one of two teams in the NBA that haven't reached double-digit victories, but they are only one win away from that totally unimpressive milestone. This could be the game the Pistons get that victory, so let's get into the pick.
Here are the Raptors-Pistons NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Raptors-Pistons Odds
Toronto Raptors: -9.5 (-110)
Detroit Pistons: +9.5 (-110)
Over: 212 (-110)
Under: 212 (-110)
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Why The Raptors Could Cover The Spread
The Raptors have been playing their basketball of the season in the last couple of weeks. That span includes wins over the Utah Jazz and the Milwaukee Bucks, as well as the aforementioned four-point loss to the Suns. Head coach Nick Nurse's squad is hanging around and winning against some of the best teams in the NBA, and now they play Detroit. The Pistons just aren't up to their level of competition, and the overall talent advantage should be on full display for the Raptors in this one.
Toronto certainly has the advantage of momentum in this game, but they also have the advantage in nearly every single statistical category. The Raptors' defense has a particularly big leg up on Detroit. Toronto only gives up 106 points per game while forcing nearly ten turnovers per game. Both of those numbers are among the league's best, and they should be enough to essentially shut down a Pistons offense that is easily one of the worst in the NBA.
Why The Pistons Could Cover The Spread
The Pistons only have nine wins, but six of those victories have come on their home floor. Detroit is also a solid 10-9 against the spread when they play at Little Caeser's Arena. Despite their recent hot streak, the Raptors are only 4-6 in their last ten road games. This could be a good spot for the Pistons to defend their home floor and sneak in a cover against a much more talented team.
There's a good chance that the Raptors will enter this game without two key players. Starting shooting guard Gary Trent and star rookie forward Scottie Barnes are both questionable for this contest. Both players are obviously key to Toronto's success, so they would be huge absences. If both are forced to sit, backups Svi Mykhailiuk and Chris Boucher will be forced to take the floor and play significant minutes.
Final Raptors-Pistons Prediction & Pick
Betting on the Pistons isn't an inspiring prospect, but they're the right call in this situation. They're playing at home against a massive spread and a team that could be missing two hugely important players. Take Detroit and the points.
Final Raptors-Pistons Prediction & Pick: Detroit Pistons: +9.5 (-110)
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