Posted on
12/19/2007 3:43:59 PM
NBA Wagering – Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics
By Eric Williams
I’ll come right out and say it – again. The Detroit Pistons will unequivocally face the Boston Celtics in the eastern conference finals this season – and tonight’s contest is just the opening salvo between the two best teams in the eastern conference, (sorry Orlando).
It’s no coincidence that the Celtics, ( 20-2 SU, 15-6-1 ATS, 7-14-1 O/U) and Pistons, (17-7 SU, 14-9-1 ATS, 12-12 O/U), are the top two teams in the eastern conference, particularly since each team shares the same penchant for shutting their opponents down.
The Celtics are the league’s best defensive team by far, limiting their opponents to a measly 86.5 points per game on 41.3 percent shooting while the Pistons are ranked second, allowing 91.2 points per game on 43.6 percent shooting.
The Celtics enter tonight’s contest looking for their 10th consecutive win while Detroit is seeking its third consecutive win. Boston will have shooting guard Ray Allen back in the lineup tonight after resting the league’s best shooter because of his perennially sore ankles.
Allen’s absence has allowed point guard Rajon Rondo to grow a bit during the two-game stretch. Rondo has scored a total of 31 points over the two games while dishing out and 12 assists.
Detroit has also won nine of their last 11 games overall, holding their opponents to just 87.7 points per game in that span.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Betting Free Picks.
Key Pistons Trends
The Pistons are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Pistons are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 Wednesday games.
The Pistons are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5.
Key Celtics Trends
The Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. Eastern Conference.
The Celtics are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5.
The Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
Key Totals Trends
The Under is 4-0 in Pistons last 4 Wednesday games.
The Over is 6-1 in Pistons last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.
The Under is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 games following a S.U. win.
The Under is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
The Underdog is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
The Road team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Analysis: I’ll keep this pick quick and to the point. I personally don’t think either tem in this matchup is seven points better than the other. This game should be a typical ‘last possession’ type of matchup, therefore giving the cover to the Pistons. Take Detroit and the ‘Under’ NBA betting odds and you’ll end up a happy camper.
NBA Free Picks: Pistons +6.5 Points/Under 181.5 Total Points
07:05 PM EST Basketball Betting
Detroit Pistons +6½ -110
Boston Celtics -6½ -110
Over 181½ -110
Under 181½ -110
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