Detroit has been one of the most fun teams this year. Even though their record doesn’t reflect it, they aren’t a pushover team. With Cade Cunningham having what might be his first All-Star season, things are looking up in Detroit for the first time in a while. The veteran talent they’ve brought in has helped smooth out the ups and downs of this young team while the youth continues to get better. Jaden Ivey, Ausur Thompons, Ron Holland, and Jalen Duren have steadily improved this year, which hopefully only continues this season.
Detroit matches up well against this Lakers team. With the size at the guard positions, and a solid shot blocker down low, they should give the Lakers a hard time. Cade should have no trouble against the backcourt defense. Austin Reaves, Max Christie, or D’Angelo Russell can’t keep up with him. So expect Cade to have a great scoring night and create for other big-time in this matchup.
Beyond the apparent matchup nightmare in the backcourt, the Pistons might struggle to contain LeBron if he plays. With both AD and LeBron questionable tonight, it might be a good opportunity to jump on the Detroit line early. They have a chance to win regardless, but if the Lakers are missing either of those guys, the plus money on the Detroit right now will feel great.
The spread on this game feels a little out of whack. At 6 points, I don’t think the books give Detroit enough credit for where they are now. This isn’t the same team as last year. With the emergence of Cade and the way they have challenged good teams, this game will be close.
I think the Pistons take this one in LA, and send the Lakers into Christmas with a nicely wrapped L.
The Lakers are doing everything they can to stay relevant in this tough Western Conference. With LeBron and AD giving this team a 110% effort most nights, I’m worried about how long it can last. Both are already on the injury report tonight, and if either one isn’t playing, it could be a disaster against an up-and-coming Detroit team. Considering it’s a home game, I expect both will end up suiting up tonight, but even still, this could be a hard team for them.
They have improved since their early December slide, winning four of their last five. This team is close but needs someone to step up or make a trade. The defense needs an upgrade. This team is good, not great, as it is currently constructed, and relying on two aging stars doesn’t get them far.
This matchup could be a challenge. If AD is playing, he’ll likely lead this team against a young frontcourt and Tobias Harris. He should be able to dominate them from the post, but Duren is a solid shot blocker, so he won’t be able to do it alone. If the guard ends up hitting deep, they could take this game easily, but there’s one big problem they’ll have to overcome. Cade Cunningham.
The Lakers don’t have a great defensive matchup for the 6’6 guard. With his ability to hit the open man, shoot over players in the midrange, and hit from deep, the Lakers will struggle to contain him. None of the Lakers starters are particularly well-suited to guard him.
Cade is the biggest reason I feel confident that the Pistons will win this game. Even though it's in LA, Cade has been so consistently great that he could swing this game. Unless LeBron and AD come out looking near full strength, I feel confident in Detroit!
Isaiah Stewart Out
Jalen Hood-Schifino Out
Anthony Davis Questionable
LeBron James Questionable
Spread: +6 DET (-115) / -6 LA (-105)
Total Points: 222.5
Moneyline: DET (+185) / LA (-225)
Cade Cunningham 25+ Points (+105)
Austin Reaves Under 24.5 Points + Assists (-115)
Jalen Duren 11+ Rebounds (+125)
Anthony Davis Under 3.5 Blocks (-120)