Posted on
3/18/2008 3:41:19 PM
NBA Picks – Fighting for Playoff Spot, Nuggets Travel to Detroit
By Eric Williams
While the Detroit Pistons, (48-18 SU, 36-29-1 ATS, 31-34-1 O/U), are already assured of a spot in the eastern conference playoffs and currently have the second best record in the conference, the Denver Nuggets, (40-26 SU, 35-31 ATS, 38-28 O/U), enter tonight’s matchup literally fighting for their collective postseason lives, as they currently sit in ninth place, 1 1/2 games behind the Golden State Warriors in the highly competitive western conference.
The good news for the Nuggets is that they enter tonight’s contest riding a three-game winning streak in the BetUS.com Sportsbook after routing the Seattle Supersonics by the unbelievable score of 168-116.
The bad news is that two of Denver’s three wins came against the lowly Sonics and equally atrocious Memphis Grizzlies while the other victory came against the Toronto Raptors who have been without all-star center Chris Bosh for nearly two weeks.
While the Nuggets haven’t been able to find the consistency they’ve been seeking all season, the Pistons enter tonight’s matchup riding a two-game winning streak after spanking the New Orleans Hornets 105-84 on Sunday.
While each team has won seven of its last ten games overall, the Pistons have managed to cover the spread in just four of their last ten while Denver is an impressive 7-3 against the spread over the same span, including a four-game ATS winning streak.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Betting Picks.
The Nuggets are 4-0 ATS in their last four after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Nuggets are 5-0 ATS in their last five after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Pistons are 5-2 ATS in their last seven vs. Western Conference.
The Pistons are 18-8 ATS in their last 26 games playing on one days rest.
The Over is 4-0 in Nuggets last four games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
The Over is 4-0 in Pistons last four home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400.
The Under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings.
The Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings in Detroit.
Analysis: While the Nuggets certainly aren’t in the same class as the Detroit Pistons, I have a feeling they are going to come out with a very solid effort while covering the spread in this matchup despite being on the road as they try mightily to secure a spot in the postseason.
NBA Free Picks: Denver +6 Points/Under 208½ Total Points
07:35 PM EST NBA Betting Odds
Denver Nuggets +6 -110
Detroit Pistons -6 -110
Over 208½ -110
Under 208½ -110
You’ll find the latest 2007-2008 NBA odds and lines in the best online sportsbook, BetUS.com. Betting on NBA player and game props makes every aspect of the game exciting. Join BetUS.com today to bet on the NBA and make online sports betting work for you!