The Los Angeles Lakers (28-7) challenge the Detroit Pistons (13-23) at the Staples Center. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 5, 2020, and will air on Fox Sports – Detroit.
Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Prediction
In the Pistons’ last contest, they topped the Golden State Warriors, 111-104, as 13-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (215) were under the projected point total of 223.5. Detroit was lights out from beyond the arc (11-27; 40.7 percent). Golden State, on the other hand, did a terrific job of making free throws (27-32; 84.4 percent). Detroit was led by Andre Drummond, who contributed 14 points and 18 rebounds.
The Lakers beat the New Orleans Pelicans in their last outing, 123-113, resulting in a push. The combined points for the game (236) came in over the O/U total of 225. The Lakers knocked down 23 of their 28 free throws (82.1 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.581 (above their season average of 0.543). Anthony Davis was the top scorer from either team with 46 points on 15-for-21 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, the Pistons won 111-97. The Pistons had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.8 vs. 24.4) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.529 vs. 0.453).
Detroit holds records of 13-23 straight up (SU) and 12-21-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Pistons’ 35 games with betting action, 20 have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 28-7 SU and 18-16-1 ATS. Unlike Detroit, games featuring the Lakers tend to go under the total (57.1 percent).
The productive offense of Los Angeles will clash against the bottom-tier defense of Detroit. The Lakers rank fifth in offensive efficiency, while the Pistons are 26th in defensive efficiency. The Lakers figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. Also, the Pistons rank 28th in turnover percentage (15.1 percent), while the Lakers rank fifth in opponents’ turnover percentage (14.8 percent).
Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Pick
NBA Pick: ATS Winner – Pistons, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Detroit is 4-11-2 ATS on the road with 9 unders and 8 overs.
Los Angeles is 9-7-1 ATS at home with 10 unders and 7 overs.
In contests where they allow under 100 points, Detroit is 4-0 and Los Angeles is 11-0.
When reaching 100 points, the Lakers are 24-7 and the Pistons are 12-17.
Los Angeles averages 8.6 steals per game, which ranks second in the league. Detroit ranks 25th in steals allowed per game (8.3).
The Lakers rank second in points in the paint per game (53.1) while the Pistons rank 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (50.3).
Los Angeles averages 18.2 points off turnovers per game, which ranks seventh in the league. Detroit ranks 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.1).
The Lakers rank first in blocks per game (7.1) while the Pistons rank 19th in blocks allowed per game (5.4).
Los Angeles ranks third in fast break points per game (17.5) while Detroit ranks 20th in fast break points allowed per game (13.4).
The Lakers rank fifth in assists per game (26.1) while the Pistons rank 22nd in assists allowed per game (25.0).
Los Angeles ranks third in second chance points allowed per game (11.9) while Detroit ranks 13th (13.0).
The Lakers rank 17th in rebounds per game (45.2) while the Pistons rank 27th (42.4).
Detroit ranks second in three pointers allowed per game (30.7) while Los Angeles ranks 11th (33.1).
In its last five games, Detroit is 1-4 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Los Angeles is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Pistons’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.4, up from 2.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 116.4 points per game (3.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 109.2 points per game (3.7 above their season average).
