The Washington Wizards (7-17) look to end their five-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Detroit Pistons (11-15) at Little Caesars Arena. The game can be seen on Fox Sports – Detroit at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, December 16, 2019.
Washington Wizards at Detroit Pistons Free Prediction
The Wizards are hoping to rebound after not being able to cover as 1.5-point underdogs in their 128-111 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in their last outing. The total points for the game (239) were just over the O/U total of 237. Memphis’ 0.637 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Washington, who had a rate of 0.506. The Grizzlies’ mark was above their season average of 0.514. Bradley Beal was the top scorer from either team with 29 points on 8-for-23 shooting.
In the Pistons’ last outing, they beat the Houston Rockets, 115-107, despite being 7.5-point underdogs. The game’s total points (222) finished under the O/U total of 226. The Pistons knocked down 21 of their 25 free throws (84.0 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.9 (above their season average of 22.8). With 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, Detroit’s Bruce Brown Jr. played well.
Detroit could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their sharp-shooting offense faces off against one of the worst defenses in the NBA. The Pistons currently rank fifth in effective field goal percentage (0.541), while Washington ranks 30th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.568). Conflicting tempos will be on display in this contest. The up-tempo Wizards rank fifth in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Pistons rank 25th.
Washington heads into the game with records of 7-17 straight up (SU) and 13-11 against the spread (ATS). Of the Wizards’ 24 games, 13 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Detroit is 11-15 SU and 11-13-2 ATS. Of the Pistons’ 26 games, 14 have finished over the total.
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. Troy Brown recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds in the first matchup, in which the Wizards defeated the Pistons 115-99, covering as 3.5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 214 points, which was 11.5 points below the projected point total of 225.5 points. The Wizards had a much better turnover percentage (9.6 vs. 17.1) and had a better free throw rate (0.226 vs. 0.220).
Wizards at Pistons Odds Pick
Free Prediction: ATS Winner – Pistons, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, Washington is 8-6 ATS with 7 overs and 7 unders.
At home, Detroit is 7-6 ATS with 8 overs, 4 unders and 1 push.
When holding opponents under 100 points, Washington is 2-0 and Detroit is 4-0.
The Wizards are 6-17 when they score more than 100 points, while the Pistons are 10-12.
Washington ranks fourth in points off turnovers per game (19.2) while Detroit ranks 26th (15.2).
The Pistons rank fourth in rebounds allowed per game (41.8) while the Wizards rank 25th (46.6).
Washington averages 28.0 assists per game, which ranks second in the league. Detroit ranks 20th in assists allowed per game (24.7).
The Pistons rank 11th in points in the paint per game (48.2) while the Wizards rank 28th in points allowed in the paint per game (52.5).
Detroit ranks 14th in blocks per game (5.0) while Washington ranks 29th (3.8).
The Pistons rank 13th in second chance points per game (13.3) while the Wizards rank 26th in second chance points allowed per game (14.3).
Detroit ranks third in three pointers allowed per game (31.1) while Washington ranks 13th (33.0).
The Wizards rank 20th in steals per game (7.5) while the Pistons rank 26th (6.7).
In its last five games, Washington is 2-3 ATS with 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push.
Detroit is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Wizards’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.6, up from 5.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pistons have scored an average of 108.4 points per game (0.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 112.0 points per game (3.3 above their season average).
