The Detroit Pistons (22-25) look to put an end to their seven-game losing streak when they meet the Cleveland Cavaliers (28-19) at Quicken Loans Arena. The game will air on Fox Sports – Ohio at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 28, 2018.
Cleveland opened as an 8-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 215.5 points.
Detroit Pistons at Cleveland Cavaliers ATS Prediction
The last time the Pistons played, they were beaten by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 121-108. Oklahoma City’s 8.0 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Detroit, who had a rate of 14.5. The Thunder’s mark was better than their season average of 12.3. Andre Drummond had a solid performance for Detroit, recording 12 points and 13 rebounds.
The Cavaliers beat the Indiana Pacers in their last matchup, 115-108. The Cavaliers made 10 of their 13 free throws (76.9 percent) and held the Pacers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.2 (below the 24.2 mark opponents have averaged against Cleveland this season). With 26 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, Cleveland’s LeBron James led the way with his seventh triple-double this year.
Cleveland should have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Cavaliers currently rank fourth in effective field goal percentage (0.545), while Detroit ranks 18th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.528). Also, the Pistons rank 28th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.164), while the Cavaliers rank first in opponents’ FTA rate (0.160).
Detroit holds records of 22-25 straight up (SU) and 24-20-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to set the total high when the Pistons are involved, as 27 of their 46 games have gone under the total.
Meanwhile, Cleveland owns records of 28-19 SU and 13-33-1 ATS. Contrary to Detroit, games featuring the Cavaliers have a slight tendency to finish over the O/U total (51.1 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Drummond (17.0 rebounds, 15.8 points, 4.6 assists, 2.4 steals and 2.0 blocks) has been fantastic for the Pistons while Isaiah Thomas (16.4 points and 3.4 assists) has contributed greatly to the Cavaliers.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Kevin Love scored a game-high 19 points and the Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 116-88, covering as 2-point favorites. He also had 11 rebounds. The game finished with a total of 204 points, which was 13.5 points below the projected point total of 217.5 points. The Cavaliers made 16 of their 17 free throws (94.1 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (11.2 vs. 14.5).
Detroit Pistons at Cleveland Cavaliers Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Pistons, ATS Winner – Pistons, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Detroit is 14-9-1 ATS on the road with 15 unders, 8 overs and 1 push.
Cleveland is 4-18-1 ATS at home with 12 overs, 10 unders and 1 push.
Detroit is 12-6 when they allow below 100 points, while Cleveland is 10-2.
In games where they score above 100 points, the Pistons are 19-11 and the Cavaliers are 28-11.
Cleveland ranks fourth in blocks allowed per game (4.0) while Detroit ranks 23rd (5.2).
The Pistons rank 12th in three pointers allowed per game (28.4) while the Cavaliers rank 29th (31.9).
Detroit ranks third in second chance points allowed per game (10.7) while Cleveland ranks 20th (12.9).
The Cavaliers rank ninth in assists per game (23.5) while the Pistons rank 26th in assists allowed per game (24.3).
Detroit ranks fifth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.8) while Cleveland ranks 18th (17.0).
The Pistons rank second in fast break points allowed per game (8.5) while the Cavaliers rank 14th (11.4).
Detroit ranks 16th in points in the paint per game (43.4) while Cleveland ranks 24th in points allowed in the paint per game (46.8).
The Pistons rank 15th in steals per game (7.8) while the Cavaliers rank 17th in steals allowed per game (7.9).
Detroit averages 42.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 19th in the NBA. Cleveland ranks 21st in rebounds allowed per game (44.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Detroit is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Cleveland is 1-4 ATS with 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push over their last five games.
The Pistons’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.4, up from 0.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 110.6 points per game (0.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 118.2 points per game (8.6 above their season average).
