NBA Predictions: Is total set too high for Pistons at Mavericks? 12/20/17

Pistons vs. Mavericks Pick

Are the Detroit Pistons and host Dallas Mavericks going to engage in a slow, defensive battle tonight at 8:30PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Mavericks are a 1-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under is set at 197 points.

Detroit enters with a 17-13 overall record and 18-10-2 ATS after a 114-110 home win over the Magic, its third straight victory. Dallas is 8-23 overall and 14-16-1 ATS following a 97-91 home loss to the Suns, its third consecutive defeat. The Pistons went 2-0 straight up and 2-0 ATS in two meetings last season. The under went 2-0.

In the win against Orlando, Reggie Bullock led the way with 20 points and five rebounds. He is starting in place of Avery Bradley, who is out for the next week with an abdominal injury. Tobias Harris registered 17 points, three boards and two steals. Reggie Jackson contributed 17 points, six assists and three rebounds. Anthony Tolliver added 17 points, two rebounds and two assists off the bench. The Pistons led 60-43 at halftime before holding off a late rally by the Magic.

Harrison Barnes accounted for 26 points, three assists and two rebounds in the loss to Phoenix. Devin Harris tallied 14 points, six rebounds and two assists. Yogi Ferrell had 13 points, six boards and five assists. Wesley Matthews added 13 points, rebounds and three steals. Dallas was outscored 29-16 in the fourth quarter.

Detroit is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings. The under is 5-0 in the last five meetings.

Bet on Pistons vs. Mavericks

These two squads play slow styles, so it is no surprise the last five meetings have stayed under the projected total. Detroit got into a bit of a shootout against the up-tempo Magic and will want to return to form here. Dallas is 11-18-1 on over-unders this season, while Dallas is 11-19-1. Trust the numbers and your gut instinct.

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: PISTONS/MAVERICKS UNDER 197

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