The Detroit Pistons (2-0) square off against the Philadelphia 76ers (2-1) at Little Caesars Arena. The game can be seen on NBATV at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 23, 2018.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Detroit Pistons ATS Prediction
In the 76ers’ last matchup, they topped the Orlando Magic, 116-115, but they were unable to cover as 12.5-point favorites. The game’s total points (231) came in over the O/U total of 217.5. Philadelphia’s 9.2 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Orlando, who had a rate of 12.3. Philadelphia rallied around Joel Embiid, who was the top scorer from either team with 32 points on 13-for-26 shooting.
The Pistons won a close one over the Chicago Bulls in their last game, 118-116, but failed to cover as 5-point favorites. The combined points for the game (234) finished well over the projected point total of 217. Detroit’s rebounding was their biggest advantage. The Pistons had 18 offensive rebounds and 49 total rebounds, while the Bulls had five and 41, respectively. Blake Griffin was Detroit’s high scorer with 33 points on 12-for-23 shooting.
Detroit might struggle to put up points as they go head-to-head against one of the league’s best defenses. Since the 2017-18 season, Philadelphia ranks third in defensive efficiency while the Pistons rank 19th in offensive efficiency. This contest should be a battle of contrasting tempos. The fast-paced 76ers rank fourth in possessions per game, while the more methodical Pistons rank 21st.
Since last season, the 76ers have had records of 54-31 straight up (SU) and 50-34-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Philadelphia games since last season with 43 overs compared to 41 unders.
The Pistons, on the other hand, are 41-43 SU and 38-46 ATS since last season. Games including Detroit have gone under the O/U total 56.0 percent of the time over that same stretch.
The 76ers won all four matchups against the Pistons last season. In the last game, Philadelphia won 115-108. Philadelphia had a better turnover percentage (11.8 vs. 14.8). Detroit, on the other hand, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (19.6 vs. 17.5).
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Detroit Pistons ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Pistons, ATS Winner – Pistons, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Philadelphia is 24-0 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Detroit is 22-6.
When scoring over 100 points, the Pistons are 37-19 and the 76ers are 56-22.
Philadelphia ranks third in assists per game (26.9) while Detroit ranks 28th in assists allowed per game (25.2).
The Pistons rank fifth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.8) while the 76ers rank 26th (17.9).
Philadelphia ranks ninth in blocks per game (5.0) while Detroit ranks 27th (3.9).
The 76ers rank first in rebounds per game (47.7) while the Pistons rank 18th in rebounds allowed per game (43.7).
Philadelphia averages 29.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 12th in the league. Detroit ranks 25th in three pointers allowed per game (30.7).
The 76ers rank first in points allowed in the paint per game (41.2) while the Pistons rank 12th (44.0).
Detroit averages 7.6 steals per game, which ranks 14th in the league. Philadelphia ranks 24th in steals allowed per game (8.4).
The Pistons rank fifth in second chance points allowed per game (11.2) while the 76ers rank 13th (12.1).
Detroit leads the league with 9.8 fast break points allowed per game while Philadelphia is fourth with 10.5 fast break points allowed per game.
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