The Oklahoma City Thunder (28-20) and Detroit Pistons (22-24) battle at Little Caesars Arena. The Thunder are riding six-game winning streak, while the Pistons have lost six games in a row. The game can be seen on Fox Sports – Detroit at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 27, 2018.
Oklahoma City Thunder at Detroit Pistons Betting Prediction
In the Thunder’s last matchup, they beat the Washington Wizards, 121-112. The Thunder made 22 of their 29 free throws (75.9 percent), while the Wizards had a turnover percentage of 19.8 (above their season average of 12.4). Oklahoma City rallied around Russell Westbrook, who was the game’s leading scorer with 46 points on 19-for-29 shooting.
The Pistons lost a close one to the Utah Jazz in their last game, 98-95. Utah’s 12.0 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Detroit, who had a rate of 15.3. The Jazz’s mark was better than their season average of 13.3, while the Pistons’ was above their season average of 12.2. With 30 points on 11-for-17 shooting, Andre Drummond was the top scorer from either team.
The inefficient offense of Detroit (21st in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 104.5) will face off against the top-notch defense of Oklahoma City (fifth in the NBA with a defensive efficiency of 104.0). The Thunder should have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Steven Adams and Carmelo Anthony have been playing well over the last five games for Oklahoma City. Adams has averaged 15.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. Not to be outdone, Anthony has recorded 18.6 points and 8.0 rebounds a game during that span.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Westbrook put up 27 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in the first game, in which the Thunder lost 99-98, unable to cover as 8.5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 197 points, which was just 4.5 points below the projected point total of 201.5 points. Detroit’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Oklahoma City. The Pistons had a rate of 0.083, while the Thunder posted a mark of 0.061.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Pistons, ATS Winner – Pistons, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Oklahoma City is 9-14 ATS on the road with 13 unders and 10 overs.
Detroit is 10-11-1 ATS at home with 12 unders and 10 overs.
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Oklahoma City is 17-5 and Detroit is 12-6.
When reaching the century mark, the Pistons are 19-10 and the Thunder are 24-9.
Oklahoma City ranks 11th in blocks per game (5.1) while Detroit ranks last (3.6).
The Thunder rank 11th in assists allowed per game (22.3) while the Pistons rank 26th (24.3).
Oklahoma City ranks fourth in fast break points per game (14.2) while Detroit ranks 18th (10.3).
The Thunder rank first in steals per game (9.5) while the Pistons rank 14th (7.8).
Detroit ranks third in second chance points allowed per game (10.4) while Oklahoma City ranks 16th (12.1).
The Thunder rank second in rebounds allowed per game (41.0) while the Pistons rank 14th (42.8).
Detroit averages 28.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 18th in the NBA. Oklahoma City ranks 24th in three pointers allowed per game (30.6).
The Thunder rank fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.5) while the Pistons rank ninth (17.5).
Oklahoma City ranks fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (41.7) while Detroit ranks eighth (42.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Oklahoma City is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Detroit is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Thunder’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.0, up from 4.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pistons have scored an average of 101.0 points per game (1.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 107.0 points per game (4.9 above their season average).
