The Detroit Pistons travel to Texas on Thursday night for a marquee clash with the San Antonio Spurs. Both teams sit near the top of their respective conferences and have produced strong results through the season. Detroit enters the game with one of the league’s best records and a balanced lineup built around All-Star guard Cade Cunningham. San Antonio counters with the unique presence of Victor Wembanyama, whose impact on both ends has fueled a surge up the Western Conference standings. Here, I break down Pistons vs Spurs and bring you my pick for this possible NBA Finals preview.
Our Pistons vs Spurs Pick
Pick:
Confidence: 3 out of 5
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Detroit Pistons @ San Antonio Spurs
- Date & Time: Thursday, March 5, 8:00 PM ET
- Venue: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas
- Broadcast: NBA League Pass
Key Storylines
This meeting features two of the NBA’s most improved teams. Detroit has emerged as a contender in the Eastern Conference thanks to its efficient offense and strong rebounding. The Pistons average 117.2 points per game while allowing just 109.5, giving them one of the best scoring differentials in the league.
San Antonio has also surged during the second half of the season. The Spurs have won 12 of their last 13 games and remain extremely strong at home, where they have captured 5 straight victories. Their defense has tightened during this run while Wembanyama continues to dominate the paint. The Spurs recently defeated Detroit 114-103 in a February meeting, adding another layer of intrigue to this rematch.
Key Players
San Antonio Spurs
- Victor Wembanyama leads the Spurs on both ends of the court. Over his last 20 games, he has averaged 22.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game. His rim protection alters opposing offenses while his scoring versatility makes him the centerpiece of the Spurs’ attack.
- Stephon Castle has emerged as a key playmaker. The young guard averages 14.4 points and 6.4 assists across the last 20 games while also contributing to defensive activity with 1.4 steals per game.
- Devin Vassell remains one of the team’s most reliable scoring options on the wing and provides needed perimeter shooting to stretch opposing defenses.
Detroit Pistons
- Cade Cunningham drives the Pistons’ offense. He averages 25.2 points and 9.8 assists per game over the last 20 contests while consistently controlling tempo and creating scoring opportunities for teammates.
- Jalen Duren provides interior strength with 17.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game in the same span. His rebounding ability helps Detroit rank among the league leaders on the glass.
- Duncan Robinson gives Detroit spacing from the perimeter with 2.9 made three-point shots per game.
Stat Comparison
| Team | Points per game | Points allowed per game | Team Field Goal % | Rebounds per game | Assists per game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Pistons | 117.2 | 109.5 | 48% | 46.3 | 26.8 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 118.2 | 111.4 | 48% | 46.5 | 27.1 |
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
- The Spurs defeated the Pistons 114-103 in their most recent meeting on February 23.
- Detroit is 8-2 straight up in its last 10 games.
- San Antonio is 12-1 straight up in its last 13 games.
- Detroit is 1-4 against the spread in its last 5 games.
- San Antonio is 10-3 against the spread in its last 13 games.
Pistons vs Spurs Model Projection
Score Projection:
Win Probability:
Final Thoughts
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