Posted on
3/12/2008 4:54:06 PM
NBA Betting Picks – Can Sixers Bounce Back Against Detroit?
By Tim Furious
Philadelphia 76ers (30-34) vs. Detroit Pistons (46-17)
Wednesday, March 12th --- Palace of Auburn Hills, Detroit --- 7:30pm EST
NBA Betting Line: Detroit -7.5 (190)
The Sixers got a rude awakening against Boston when they were crushed in a lopsided game 100-86. That dropped them to a 4-1 ATS and SU record over the past 5 games on the road. They are just 2-5 ATS when playing Detroit over the course of the last 7 meetings. And they are 1-10 SU in their last 11 games when playing Detroit. So to say that this game is a gut check for the surprising Sixers is like saying that Tara Reid needs to eat a sandwich.
But I’ve been saying this lately about the Pistons. They are not the dominating force that they used to be. They are 1-5 ATS in their past 6 games, and while they are winning, they are allowing mediocre teams to keep it close. This game opened at -9 and rightfully moved towards Philadelphia because of Detroit’s inability to completely shut out opponents. They are averaging a very strong 98.3 points per game, with a solid team defense that registers only 90.7 points against. But their weakness down low is killing them.
Between Sheed, Rip, Big Shot and Prince, they are perhaps one of the most dangerous foursomes in the league. But with a hobbled Antonio McDyess at center, and no viable supporting players coming off the bench, this team is getting chewed up down low. The Sixers have are a violently athletic team that loves to crash the lane with Thaddeus Young and Andre Igoudala in isolation, while allowing Andre to roll through opposing guards with ease. Of all people in the league, Miller’s vindictive play is going vastly unnoticed. Why do you think they’ve been blowing away teams until they lost against Boston? Because of Miller’s insane play. He has 16.9 point, 4.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists.
Philadelphia has a lot to prove heading in to tonight’s game. They have to prove that they can contend with at least one of the East’s top-five teams. And they can’t seriously be held accountable for losing to Boston on the road can they? Despite the home court advantage of the Pistons, I’m wiling to bet that Detroit loses another game to the spread as the oddsmakers slowly realize that this isn’t the same Pistons team we are used to. Philadelphia is averaging 96.2 points per game, and will look to speed up the tempo of the game tonight as they rally to keep this game tight enough to reward their betting faithful. Get on this Sixers bandwagon now before the oddsmakers abandon Detroit completely.
NBA Betting Free Pick: Philadelphia +7.5 (UNDER)
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