Posted on
1/4/2008 5:51:28 PM
NBA Basketball Betting Action – Pistons at Raptors
By Eric Williams
If you see a bunch of guys running naked down the street, don’t worry, it’s got to be the Detroit Pistons, (25-7 SU, 22-9-1 ATS, 14-18 O/U), because they are on a cross-country winning streak right now that has been nothing short of eye-opening.
Okay, okay, all attempts at humor aside, the Pistons enter tonight’s matchup against the Toronto Raptors, (17-15 SU, 17-14-1 ATS, 15-17 O/U) looking for their 11th consecutive win, they’re longest winning streak in two years.
The Pistons added another victory to their winning streak by beating the Washington Wizards 106-93 On Wednesday in a game that I called absolutely perfect in the BetUS.com Locker Room that very same day.
Not only are the Pistons winning, but they have been downright ferocious in putting their opponents away by an average of 16.8 points per game during their run and are getting the kind of production off the bench the team so sorely needed following last season’s playoff ouster at the hands of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Raptors are coming off a 97-92 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Monday, but are just 2-4 in their last six games and 2-4 ATS over the same span.
The Raptors have reached the century mark just twice in their last eight games, losing both contests two weeks ago while in the midst of a five-game ATS losing streak.
The Raptors are ranked eighth in defense, allowing just 95.1 points per game on 44.8 percent shooting, compared to the Pistons’ No. 2 ranking built on the basis of their 89.4 points per game defensive average on 41.5 percent shooting from the field.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my NBA Betting Free Picks:
Key Pistons Trends
The Pistons are 9-0-1 ATS in their last ten after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Pistons are 6-0 ATS in their last six games as a road favorite.
The Pistons are 8-0-1 ATS in their last nine road games.
Key Raptors Trends
The Raptors are 6-0 ATS in their last six vs. NBA Central.
The Raptors are 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine Friday games.
The Raptors are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games.
Key Totals Trends
The Under is 6-1 in Pistons last seven vs. NBA Atlantic.
The Under is 9-2 in Pistons last eleven overall.
The Under is 4-0 in Raptors last four games as a home underdog of 0.5-4.5.
The Under is 4-0 in Raptors last four games following a ATS win.
Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Toronto.
The Pistons are 7-15-1 ATS in the last 23 meetings.
The Underdog is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
Analysis: Why this line is so low, I have no idea, but until someone shows me otherwise, I’m going with the Pistons. Take the veteran Pistons to win by at least six points while covering the spread – and likely a bit more.
NBA Free Pick: Pistons 98 Raptors 90
07:05 PM EST Basketball Odds
Detroit Pistons -5½ -110
Toronto Raptors +5½ -110
Over 187 -110
Under 187 -110
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