Pistons vs. Trail Blazers: Preview, odds, props and best bets
The last time the Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers met, back in November, both teams were sitting at .500, with records of 2-2. To say a lot has happened since would be a gross understatement. Detroit and Portland are a combined 16-73 since their November 1 game, and sagging well out of the NBA playoff picture.
On Thursday one of these teams will need to win: a Detroit victory would even the season series, and Monty Williams may have to get creative with his lineup. Both Cade Cunningham (knee) and Bojan Bogdanovich (calf) are nursing injuries. For Cunningham, it’s the latest in a myriad of injuries that has one wondering if the Detroit star should switch to the uniform of the Red Cross.
Here are the odds and lines for tonight’s game from the top Michigan sportsbooks:
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The NBA trade deadline is 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, which means the Detroit roster could be vastly different for the Portland game. Rumors have Bojan Bogdanović as the top target of would-be trade partners.
On Wednesday, Detroit reportedly acquired forward Simone Fontecchio from Utah for a second-round pick in the 2024 NBA draft and Kevin Knox. Fontecchio is a lean, long-limbed forward who can shoot the three-point shot. In his second NBA season after a professional career in Europe, Fontecchio is known for his high energy and solid defense.
The Pistons also shipped Monte Morris to Minnesota for Shake Milton, Troy Brown Jr. and a 2030 second-round draft pick. Brown and Milton have barely been stepping on the floor for the Timberwolves of late. In Detroit, the duo may improve the bench depth, and if Milton can find his three-point stroke, he could be useful.
But no trade deadline can solve the problems Detroit is having this season. That’s because the team has never found their core group, and injuries have hampered the effort. Another swap at the deadline, possibly involving Bogdanović, might nab the Pistons a much-needed add-on 2024 draft pick or a rotation piece.
We’ve documented well recently that Detroit has been a great pick on the spread (10-1 ATS in their last 11 games). Take the six points the sportsbooks are giving you and wager on Detroit to beat the spread. Any outcome where Detroit either wins or loses by less than six points, and your wager is a West Coast winner.
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The Trail Blazers defeated the Pistons in November, 110-101. Much has changed for these teams since then, and not for the better. The Pistons are still, despite being nearly 50 games into the season, seeking an identity. Coach Monty Williams may have a plan, but it’s hard to see what it is. This contest should feature a lot of sloppiness, which could favor the Pistons. In their first meeting, Cunningham dropped 30 points, a game-high. If Cunningham is in the lineup Thursday, he will find many ways to get his shot off, and that means Detroit can outright win on the road. You can bet Pistons: Over 109.5 points (-115, DraftKings).
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