Detroit Pistons vs. Denver Nuggets Prediction, Preview, and Odds

Detroit Pistons (3-15) vs. Denver Nuggets (10-6)

The 2022-23 NBA season continues with a four-game Tuesday card, and the slumping Detroit Pistons continue their six-game road trip with the cross-conference battle against the undermanned Denver Nuggets. 

Both Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are in the medical protocols, while Aaron Gordon (non-COVID illness) and Ish Smith (calf) are questionable to play. On the other side, Detroit is missing Cade Cunningham (leg) and Isaiah Stewart (foot), while Saddiq Bey (ankle) is listed as questionable.   

The Pistons are free-falling

The Detroit Pistons (3-15; 7-9-2 ATS) extended their losing streak to seven games last Sunday, suffering a 137-129 defeat at the Sacramento Kings. They covered a 10.5-point spread, beating the line for the third time in four games, but it was another underwhelming performance from Dwane Casey’s boys, who scored just five points in the final 5:27 of the fourth quarter. 

“They’re playing their hearts out,” Dwane Casey said. “I see growth and improvement ... we have to stay together and stay positive.” 

Rookie guard Jaden Ivey dropped 24 points on the Kings while going 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. Bojan Bogdanovic accounted for 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting from the field, and the Pistons’ second unit combined for 55 points. However, Detroit couldn’t make the stops all night. 

The Pistons have the lowest defensive rating in the league this season, surrendering 118.6 points per 100 possessions. They rank 27th in the NBA in opposing field goal percentage (48.3%). Furthermore, the Pistons are allowing 11.6 offensive rebounds (tied-25th) while forcing just 13.4 turnovers per 100 possessions (26th). 

The shorthanded Nuggets upset the Mavs as double-digit dogs

The Denver Nuggets (10-6; 7-9 ATS) are coming off a two-game set at the Dallas Mavericks. After a heavy 127-99 defeat on Friday, the shorthanded Nuggets outlasted the Mavs 98-97 on Sunday night despite missing Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon. Bones Hyland led the way with 29 points and six assists in 35 minutes off the bench, while DeAndre Jordan had eight points and a thumping 17 rebounds. 

The Nuggets fought bravely after allowing the Mavs to make 59.7% of their field goals and 40.6% of their 3-pointers in that 28-point loss on Friday night. They held Dallas to 44.9% shooting from the field while making 47.4% of their field-goal attempts. 

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) November 21, 2022

Bones Hyland has recorded 20.2 points and 4.2 assists over his last six games. He’s also made 45.7% of his 3-pointers in that span. With their top two scorers on the shelf, the Nuggets desperately need more from their role players. Michael Porter Jr. (16.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG this season) has scored just 29 points in total through his previous three appearances, and he’ll have to break out of his funk as soon as possible. 

Best Bets for this Game

Full-Game Side Bet

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With both teams missing their best players, I have to go with the Nuggets to cover, as Denver arguably has more depth than Detroit. The Pistons are missing Cade Cunningham a lot, but their lousy defense is the biggest issue. Detroit has yielded a whopping 265 points in its last two games. 

On the other side, the Nuggets own the fifth-worst defensive rating in the league, allowing 114.3 points per 100 possessions. But with Nikola Jokic on the sidelines, the Nuggets’ defense has done a solid job. They’ve held Dallas to 97 points and New York to 106. Bones Hyland will look to extend his good run of form, and Michael Porter Jr. will hopefully bounce back against the Pistons’ leaky defense. 

Prediction: Denver Nuggets -5.5

Full-Game Total Pick

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The Pistons are notching 99.9 possessions per 48 minutes (12th in the NBA), while the Nuggets are tallying 99.6 (tied-14th). Neither team is playing at a slow pace, and I’ve mentioned their defensive woes, so give me the over on the totals even though both sides are shorthanded. 

The total has gone over in five of Detroit’s last seven outings. In six of those seven contests, the Pistons have allowed 115 or more points. On the other side, the Nuggets have been a hit-or-miss when it comes to the totals lately. Five of their previous ten games have gone over the total. 

Prediction: Go under

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