NBA Predictions: Will Pistons win third straight at home vs. Magic? 12/17/17

Magic vs. Pistons Pick

Are the Detroit Pistons going to continue their upswing this afternoon when they host the Orlando Magic? Tip-off is at 4PM ET.

According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Pistons are a 10.5-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under is set at 201 points.

Orlando comes in with an 11-19 overall record and 11-18-1 ATS after a 95-88 home loss to the Trail Blazers, its fourth straight defeat. Detroit is 16-13 overall and 18-9-2 ATS following a 104-98 victory at the Pacers. The Magic went 3-1 straight up and 3-1 ATS in four meetings last season. The under went 3-1.

In the loss to Portland, Orlando lost forward Aaron Gordon to a calf injury in his first game back from a concussion. He will not play today. Nikola Vucevic accounted for 26 points and 14 rebounds. Jonathon Simmons tallied 15 points, five reobunds, three assists and two steals. DJ Augustin added 14 points, four assists and three rebounds off the bench. The Magic trailed 50-43 at halftime.

Andre Drummond accounted for 23 points, 13 rebounds and three blocked shots in the victory at Indiana. Reggie Bullock had 15 points and three steals. Stanley Johnson added 13 points, six rebounds and four assists off the bench. The Pistons trailed by two at halftime, but were outscored 34-20 in the third quarter. 

Orlando is 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings. The under is 13-2-1 in the last 16 Detroit games overall.

Bet on Magic vs. Pistons 

Detroit is back on the right track after a seven-game losing skid and will benefit from the absence of Gordon and Magic shooting guard Evan Fournier. Drummond should have another dominant game as Vucevic is a very skilled offensive player, but doesn't offer a lot on the defensive end. As long as the Pistons get contributions from a number of players as it typically does, they should win decisively here. I'm picking my second double digit cover in as many afternoon games.

 

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: DETROIT PISTONS -10.5