The Detroit Pistons (38-42) and Toronto Raptors (58-22) get their Eastern Conference schedules underway at Little Caesars Arena. The game can be seen on Fox Sports – Detroit at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, April 9, 2018.
Toronto Raptors at Detroit Pistons Free Prediction
The Raptors will be looking for a similar result after defeating the Orlando Magic in their last outing, 112-101. The Raptors knocked down 17 of their 24 free throws (70.8 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.609 (above their season average of 0.538). Toronto rallied around OG Anunoby, who contributed 21 points and eight rebounds.
In the Pistons’ last game, they fell to the Memphis Grizzlies, 130-117. Memphis’ effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Detroit. The Grizzlies had a rate of 0.675 (above their season average of 0.497), while the Pistons posted a mark of 0.532. With 12 points and 18 rebounds, Andre Drummond put together a solid performance for Detroit.
Detroit might have difficulty putting up points as they go head-to-head against one of the league’s best defenses. Toronto ranks fifth in defensive efficiency while the Pistons rank 21st in offensive efficiency.
Toronto heads into the game with records of 58-22 straight up (SU) and 42-37 against the spread (ATS). Of the Raptors’ 79 games that accepted bets, 40 have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Detroit owns records of 38-42 SU and 38-38-3 ATS. Unlike Toronto, just over half of Pistons games have finished under the total.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Serge Ibaka (16.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks) has been fantastic for the Raptors while Anthony Tolliver (16.4 points) has made great contributions to the Pistons.
The Raptors have won all three matchups against the Pistons this season, including a close 121-119 victory the last time these teams met. Toronto was unable to cover as a 4-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 240 points, which was 26 points above the projected point total of 214 points. Toronto had a much better turnover percentage (7.5 vs. 13.8). Detroit, on the other hand, made 13 of its 26 three pointers (50.0 percent). DeMar DeRozan was the game’s leading scorer with 42 points.
Toronto Raptors vs. Detroit Pistons Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Raptors, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Toronto is 21-18 ATS on the road with 21 overs and 18 unders.
At home, Detroit is 18-20-2 ATS with 20 overs, 19 unders and 1 push.
Detroit is 21-6 when they allow under 100 points, while Toronto is 27-5.
In games where they score over 100 points, the Pistons are 34-19 and the Raptors are 52-14.
Toronto ranks second in blocks per game (6.1) while Detroit ranks 25th (3.9).
The Raptors rank second in three pointers allowed per game (24.9) while the Pistons rank 24th (30.7).
Toronto averages 24.3 assists per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Detroit ranks 27th in assists allowed per game (25.2).
The Pistons average 12.8 second chance points per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. The Raptors rank 24th in second chance points allowed per game (13.1).
Detroit ranks second in fast break points allowed per game (9.8) while Toronto ranks 14th (11.6).
The Raptors average 43.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 14th in the league. The Pistons rank 20th in rebounds allowed per game (43.8).
Toronto ranks sixth in points in the paint per game (48.5) while Detroit ranks ninth in points allowed in the paint per game (43.5).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Toronto is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Detroit is 3-1-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Raptors’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.2, down from 7.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pistons have scored an average of 112.2 points per game (8.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 111.2 points per game (7.1 above their season average).
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