Pistons vs. Clippers Pick
Is the spread too big when the Detroit Pistons play at the Los Angeles Clippers Saturday night at 10:30PM EST?
Oddsmakers at sports book Bovada.lv have made the Clippers an 8.5-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under sits at 206.
The Pistons come in with a 3-2 overall record after a 122-101 home win over the Timberwolves. Los Angeles is a perfect 4-0 after a thrilling 104-103 victory at Portland. Last year’s meetings were split 1-1 straight up and ATS. The total also went 1-1.
In Detroit’s win over Minnesota, the hosts trailed by three after one quarter before outscoring the T-Wolves 40-18 in the second to take full control. Tobias Harris led the way with 34 points, while Avery Bradley scored 20. Andre Drummond contributed 15 points and 15 rebounds. Stanley Johnson also scored 15, while Henry Ellenson had 14 off the bench.
Blake Griffin hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to lift the Clippers to the win at the Trail Blazers. He finished with 25 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Danilo Gallinari and Austin Rivers both scored 16. Patrick Beverley accounted for 13 points and seven rebounds, while Lou Williams added 13 off the bench.
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings in Los Angeles. The over is 4-1-1 in the last six meetings.
The Pistons are off to a decent start this season, looking to get back into the playoff picture for the second time in three years. Harris has really stepped up his game on the offensive end, averaging over 23 points through five contests. While the Clippers have looked outstanding to start the season, they are now without starting point guard Milos Teodosic indefinitely due to a foot injury and they looked vulnerable at Portland. Los Angeles probably wins this game straight up, but it is our feeling Detroit stays within the number.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: DETROIT PISTONS +8.5