A seven-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Detroit Pistons (34-33) when they meet the Los Angeles Lakers (31-37) at Little Caesars Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, March 15, 2019, and will air on NBATV.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Pistons (2-point underdogs) were defeated by the Miami Heat, 108-74, while the Lakers (2.5-point favorites) fell to the Toronto Raptors, 111-98. The Detroit game finished 26 points under the projected point total of 208, while the Los Angeles game went 17 points under the projected point total of 226.
Los Angeles held Toronto to an effective field goal percentage of 0.484 (below their season average of 0.536) while Detroit had a better effective field goal percentage (0.403 vs. 0.530). Detroit received a boost from Blake Griffin, who finished with 13 points. Meanwhile, LeBron James had a solid performance for Los Angeles, recording 29 points and six assists.
In their first matchup this season, Kyle Kuzma led the Lakers to a 113-100 victory. He scored a game-high 41 points. Los Angeles covered as a 1-point favorite and the two teams combined to score 213 points, which was just under the projected point total of 216.5. Los Angeles’ 0.159 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Detroit, who had a rate of 0.093.
Lakers games have typically finished under the O/U total (58.2 percent). Los Angeles holds records of 31-37 straight up (SU) and 26-39-2 against the spread (ATS).
A little over half of Pistons games have also finished under the total. Additionally, Detroit is 34-33 SU and 33-33-1 ATS.
Detroit should have an advantage on the offensive glass in this matchup. The Pistons rank eighth in offensive rebounding percentage (24.3 percent), while Los Angeles ranks 23rd in defensive rebounding percentage (76.3 percent). It will also be a tale of two styles as the up-tempo Lakers rank third in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Pistons rank 22nd.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons Free Pick
NBA Pick: SU Winner – Pistons, ATS Winner – Pistons, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Lakers rank 12th in assists per game (25.3) while the Pistons rank 26th (22.6).
- Los Angeles ranks third in fast break points per game (19.4) while Detroit ranks last (9.7).
- The Lakers rank second in points in the paint per game (56.7) while the Pistons rank 22nd (45.7).
- Detroit ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (43.6) while Los Angeles ranks 27th (47.0).
- Detroit ranks second in second chance points allowed per game (11.1) while Los Angeles ranks 21st (13.8).
- The Pistons rank sixth in steals allowed per game (7.1) while the Lakers rank 27th (8.4).
- The Lakers rank 10th in blocks per game (5.3) while the Pistons rank 29th (3.9).
- Detroit ranks 16th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.8) while Los Angeles ranks 28th (18.3).
- Detroit ranks second in three pointers allowed per game (28.1) while Los Angeles ranks 22nd (33.3).
- When holding opponents below 100 points, Detroit is 10-2 and Los Angeles is 7-0.
- In games where they reach the century mark, the Pistons are 31-20 and the Lakers are 30-29.
- Los Angeles is 15-18 ATS on the road, while Detroit is 17-16-1 ATS at home.
- In 33 road games, the Lakers have 17 overs and 16 unders.
- Of the Pistons’ 34 home games, they have 19 overs and 15 unders.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Los Angeles and Detroit have both had 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Pistons are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Lakers are 1-4.
- The Pistons’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.8, up from 0.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 106.4 points per game (5.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 113.2 points per game (0.7 below their season average).
