The Detroit Pistons (10-15), 8.5-point underdogs, will travel to the Toyota Center to clash against the Houston Rockets (17-8). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 227 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Detroit at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
Detroit Pistons vs. Houston Rockets Betting Odds
The Rockets come in on a high note after comfortably covering the 11.5-point spread against the Orlando Magic in their last matchup, 130-107. The Pistons, on the other hand, were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks, 122-111, and failed to cover as 6.5-point underdogs. Both games went over their projected point totals. The Houston game went 6.5 points over the projected point total of 230.5, while the Detroit game finished 16 points over the projected point total of 217.
The Rockets, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.536, had a ridiculous mark of 0.686, while the Magic had a free throw rate of 0.132 (below their season average of 0.196). Detroit, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 6.6 (better than their season average of 14.2). Houston’s James Harden played well, contributing 54 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Andre Drummond played a key role for Detroit with 23 points and 15 rebounds.
This series was highly contested last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Pistons won the most recent matchup 116-111. One of Detroit’s largest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They made 40 trips to the line, while Houston went just 21 times. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Pistons matchups have typically finished over the total (56.0 percent). Detroit holds records of 10-15 straight up (SU) and 10-13-2 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to Detroit, Rockets games have a tendency to finish under the O/U total (58.3 percent). Additionally, Houston is 17-8 SU and 12-12 ATS.
Conflicting paces will be on display in this matchup. Houston likes to play fast (third in possessions per game), while Detroit is slower-paced (27th in possessions per game).
Detroit Pistons vs. Houston Rockets Betting Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Pistons, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Rockets rank fifth in second chance points per game (14.7) while the Pistons rank 13th (13.4).
- Detroit ranks second in three pointers allowed per game (30.6) while Houston ranks 26th (36.8).
- The Rockets rank sixth in points off turnovers per game (18.9) while the Pistons rank 25th (15.1).
- Detroit averages 24.8 assists per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. Houston ranks 27th in assists allowed per game (26.2).
- Detroit averages 48.2 points in the paint per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. Houston ranks 21st in points allowed in the paint per game (50.3).
- The Rockets rank fourth in steals per game (8.5) while the Pistons rank 25th (6.7).
- The Rockets average 15.5 fast break points per game, which ranks sixth in the league. The Pistons rank 18th in fast break points allowed per game (13.6).
- Houston averages 5.0 blocks per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA. Detroit ranks 17th in blocks allowed per game (4.9).
- Houston ranks fourth in rebounds per game (47.7) while Detroit ranks 24th (42.8).
- Houston is 2-0 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Detroit is 4-0.
- In games where they reach 100 points, the Pistons are 9-12 and the Rockets are 17-7.
- Detroit is 3-7-2 ATS on the road, while Houston is 6-6 ATS at home.
- The Pistons have 6 overs and 6 unders in 12 road games.
- Of the Rockets’ 12 home games, they have 7 overs and 5 unders.
Bettings Trends:
- The Pistons are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Rockets are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Detroit has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Houston has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- During their last five games, the Pistons have scored an average of 110.8 points per game (2.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 109.4 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
- The Rockets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.8, up from 6.1 for the season.
