Posted on
4/29/2008 1:41:57 PM
NBA Basketball Wagering – Pistons Seek Control Against Sixers
By Eric Williams
While the young and feisty Philadelphia 76ers, (42-44 SU, 45-38-3 ATS, 40-45-1 O/U) have played the veteran Detroit Pistons, (61-25 SU, 47-38-1 ATS, 37-48-1 O/U) to a 2-2 standstill after four games of their first round NBA playoff series, the angry Pistons may finally be ready to wrest control of the series after getting outplayed in the series’ first three game while falling behind 2-1.
However, the Pistons pretty much dominated the Sixers in winning Game 4 93-84 on Sunday.
"It's a three-game series and we've got two at home. That's an advantage," Detroit's Chauncey Billups said. "I think another advantage we have is we're starting to figure them out finally."
The Sixers could use a better contribution from team leader Andre Iguodala than they’ve been getting in this series as the Sixers’ leading scorer is averaging a meager 10.5 points after five games after averaging a team-high 20 points per game in the regular season.
Iguodala said the Sixers need to remain positive and realize that, although they have already exceeded everyone’s expectations in this series, they have to believe that they can still beat the Pistons.
"We've still got to stay positive," Iguodala said. "We're still further ahead than what people thought we would be. We're playing to win. We can't get caught up in what's being said and what's going on outside of our team. We've got to keep believing."
The Sixers have covered the spread in just three of their last ten games dating back to the regular season while Detroit has gone 6-4 against the spread over the same span.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my NBA Betting Free Picks:
The 76ers are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.
The 76ers are 11-4-1 ATS in their last 16 games following a S.U. loss.
The Pistons are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
The Pistons are 4-1 ATS in their last five games playing on one days rest.
The Under is 6-1 in 76ers last seven playoff games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.
The Under is 5-1 in 76ers last six vs. NBA Central.
The Under is 9-1 in Pistons last ten games following an ATS win.
The Under is 8-1 in Pistons last nine games playing on one days rest.
The 76ers are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings in Detroit.
The Under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.
Analysis: While I like the Pistons to win this game, I don’t see the young Sixers showing any signs that they’ve given up despite their Game 4 loss at home. I say the Pistons win this contest but the Sixers cover the spread.
NBA Free Picks: Philadelphia +9 Points/Over 178 Total Points
03:00 PM EST NBA Spreads
Philadelphia 76ers +9 -110
Detroit Pistons -9 -110
Over 178 -110
Under 178 -110
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