The Detroit Pistons (22-26) look to snap their eight-game losing streak when they challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers (29-19) at Little Caesars Arena. The game can be seen on TNT at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 30, 2018.
Cleveland is a 2-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 218.5 points.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons ATS Prediction
The Cavaliers have won both games against the Pistons this season, including a 17-point victory in their last matchup. Cleveland covered as a 7.5-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 225 points, which was 6 points above the projected point total of 219 points. Cleveland did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (22-26; 84.6 percent). Detroit, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (5.6 vs. 9.6). James put up a double-double in the victory with 25 points and 14 assists.
Detroit could have trouble getting to the free throw line in this battle. The Pistons rank 28th in the league with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.163, while Cleveland ranks first in FTA rate allowed (0.159). Additionally, the Cavaliers’ fourth-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.546) will square off against the Pistons’ 21st-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.530).
Cleveland has a respectable 29-19 straight up (SU) record, but they have a difficult time covering the spread (14-33-1 against the spread (ATS)). Of the Cavaliers’ 48 games, 25 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Detroit is 22-26 SU and 24-22-2 ATS. Vegas is known to set the total high when the Pistons are involved, as 56.3 percent of their games have gone under the total.
Isaiah Thomas has averaged 18.0 points and 3.8 assists over the last five games for Cleveland.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons Free Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Cleveland is 9-15 ATS on the road with 12 overs and 12 unders.
At home, Detroit is 10-12-1 ATS with 12 unders and 11 overs.
In games where they allow under 100 points, Detroit is 12-6 and Cleveland is 10-2.
When reaching the century mark, the Pistons are 19-12 and the Cavaliers are 29-11.
Cleveland ranks seventh in assists per game (23.5) while Detroit ranks 26th in assists allowed per game (24.4).
The Pistons rank 12th in three pointers allowed per game (28.6) while the Cavaliers rank last (32.0).
Cleveland ranks fourth in blocks allowed per game (4.1) while Detroit ranks 21st (5.2).
The Pistons rank eighth in points allowed in the paint per game (42.3) while the Cavaliers rank 25th (46.8).
Detroit ranks third in second chance points allowed per game (10.5) while Cleveland ranks 18th (12.8).
The Pistons rank fifth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.7) while the Cavaliers rank 18th (16.9).
Detroit ranks second in fast break points allowed per game (8.8) while Cleveland ranks 14th (11.3).
The Pistons rank 15th in steals per game (7.7) while the Cavaliers rank 16th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
Detroit averages 42.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 19th in the NBA. Cleveland ranks 20th in rebounds allowed per game (44.0).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Cleveland is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs, 1 under and 1 push.
Detroit is 0-5 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Cavaliers have been outscored by an average of 2.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Cleveland has defeated opponents by an average of 0.5 points.
During their last five games, the Pistons have scored an average of 103.8 points per game (1.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 112.6 points per game (9.7 above their season average).
