The Washington Wizards will host the Detroit Pistons before beginning a four-game West Coast road trip, so they would want to make the best use of the game to start with 2-0, but also to prepare for tough challenges ahead. The Pistons come in feeling good after a solid display against the shorthanded Hornets and will be happy to give themselves a chance in the final minutes of this encounter.
Pistons at Wizards
Spread: Washington -6.5 (-110) at BetDSI Sportsbook
Total: over 210.5 (-110)
Harris, balanced effort get Pistons first win
The Detroit Pistons played their first regular-season game in the city of Detroit in more than 30 years, defeating the Charlotte Hornets, 102-90. Whether the new arena helped the Pistons come out strongly, or the coaching staff understood how to attack the Hornets missing their athletic wings, the Pistons have built a nice double-digit lead in the first half and remained in control throughout the game.
Often Pistons best player last season, Tobias Harris was ready for the new season to begin, torching Hornets defense for 17 first quarter points. It started with Harris’ hot shooting, continued with the mix of swarming defense and finished with depth off the bench. The defense was great, forcing Hornets deeper in the shot clock than they would like and playing them tough. Few players did get into foul trouble – Bradley played only 23 minutes and Drummond was available for only 22 – but it helped them impose their style of basketball and ultimately win over what’s probably competition for a playoff spot. The Strong showing on the defensive end also helped Stanley Johnson stay in the game despite 0-13 shooting night.
This type of team basketball will help Pistons build good chemistry and collect more wins, but there’s a significant difference in playing shorthanded Hornets and trying to win in Wizards house.
Place: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Date/Time: Friday, October 20th, 2017. 7:00 PM ET
TV Coverage: NBCSWA
Wizards win against the Sixers, but fail to make a statement
Experienced teams know how to win even when the shots won’t fall for them when the calls go other way and the ball bounces at the wrong angles. That’s exactly what the Wizards did, relying on a bit of veteran leadership of Wall, Beal, and Gortat, to fight off a battling group of Philadelphia youngsters. It wasn’t easy and with a bit more luck and focus, the Sixers could have stolen the game, but what’s even more concerning is that it took about one quarter to wake up old ghosts for the Wizards.
Despite the starting lineup driving up the lead in the first and the third quarter, the second unit would waste every bit of it in no time. Wall was +19, Gortat +16, Beal and Otto Porter +12 and +14 respectively for the game. The Wizards opened up 11-point lead by the start of the 2nd quarter and 12 point lead late in the 3rd. They still had to survive in the last minute by forcing two Sixers turnovers and a missed 3-pointer by J.J. Redick.
Another thing to worry about was giving up 115 points to Sixers. Below average defense had haunted the Wizards past season, so it was supposed to be something the team has focused in the preseason. Good news is that the absence of Markieff Morris was never felt. Jason Smith started the game, but lasted only 7 minutes, probably due to a sprained shoulder. Kelly Oubre started the second half and will probably do so here.
Detroit Pistons at Washington Wizards Game Trends & Prediction
The Detroit Pistons won and also covered the small spread. The way they’ve made the profit for their backers should boost your confidence in this team, but let me still remind you that they were awful when it came to consistency last season. Good defense and limited offensive output will mean that the Pistons will be among the teams with lowest total points this season. They’ve kept the score under in the first game.
The Wizards couldn’t cover against the Sixers. The opening spread of 7 points was turned to 6.5 by the game’s start, but the final margin of 5 points wasn’t enough. If you had followed this team closely last season, you already know that they are making a bad habit of it. They win, but barely, leaving their backers hanging. The 235 points total clearly sent the money to those who played over the line, and considering that they looked pretty much like last year, I tend to believe that things will be repeated this season as well.
A unique ranking system – AdmiRank helps you understand how good NBA teams are on a scale to 100. The Wizards don’t get rewarded for a narrow home win over the inferior opponent, while the Pistons do collect a positive trend a close a bit of a gap between the two sides.
Despite my positive review of the Pistons first game, I’m not overly impressed. Likewise, I don’t think badly of Wizards. They do their job and have proven that they protect their home court well. Finally, there’s a big discrepancy between the rivals starting backcourts, one that better, but not overwhelming Pistons bench probably won’t be able to overcome.
The testament to the big difference in talent is the fact that the bookmakers don’t hold the Pistons in any higher regard than the Sixers, aiding their backers with a nice +6.5 spread. It’s a spot on decision and I’m going with the same number here. There’s no value on either side, so just skip the handicap betting.
Instead, my pick here is the under. The Wizards coaching staff saw the same things and will point out the need for better paint protection, but the main reason for the bet is the Pistons, who will drive points total down, on both sides of the court. Take the minus points with confidence.
My Pick: no bet on the spread
Total: under 210.5 points (-110)
