Raptors same-game parlay predictions vs. Pistons Dec. 30: Detroit should keep things close with record-setting losing streak on the line
The Detroit Pistons, losers of 28 straight, can set the league record for most consecutive defeats when they host the Toronto Raptors tonight.
The pregame narrative: Toronto has dropped nine of its past 12 games and is on the second leg of a back-to-back after falling to the Boston Celtics yesterday. One team will be leaving Little Ceasers Areana embarrassed but I'm expecting the Pistons to keep this game close.
NBA oddsas of 9:21 a.m. on 12/30/2023.
Same-game parlay Raptors predictions
Parlay: Pistons +10.5 + Barnes over 21.5 points + Cunningham over 37.5 PRA (+325)
Pistons +10.5 (-286): Detroit is on the precipice of infamy but Toronto can't be trusted, either.
The Raptors just lost to a Celtics team without Jayson Tatum, Kristpas Porzingis and Al Horford. That brought their road record to a miserable 4-10. And one night before that, the Pistons forced overtime against the Celtics, in Boston, with the aforementioned players suited up.
NBA math isn't a perfect science but Detroit should be able to cover this lofty alternate spread at home.
The Raptors have only won by 11-plus points six times all season (26.0%). One of those victories was a 142-113 drumming of the Pistons in Toronto in November but I simply can't trust this team to put together a convincing performance right now.
Toronto is 1-3 ATS with a rest disadvantage this year and Detroit has covered this number in four of its last five games.
Other parlay picks
Barnes over 21.5 points (-134): The Raptors' future is looking bleak but Scottie Barnes is at the centre of the team's long-term plans.
The third-year small forward is averaging career highs in every major statistical category with a 55.6 true shooting percentage (also a career-best). Barnes is averaging 21.0 points this year and has cleared this mark in six of his last eight games, scoring 30-plus points in three of his last five.
The Pistons allow the seventh-most points per game to opposing small forwards, according to Fantasy Pros, which makes this an enticing matchup.
Cunningham over 37.5 PRA (-115): Cade Cunningham has been doing his best to end Detroit's losing streak.
The 2021 No. 1 overall pick is averaging 24.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game this month (37 PRA) and has cleared this total in four of his past five games.
Cunningham is averaging 33.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.4 assists during that stretch while shooting 56.9% from the field.
If Detroit wants any chance of snapping this streak the offence has to run through him.
