NBA Betting Picks: Detroit Pistons vs Indiana Pacers preview, picks and prediction

In Thursday night’s Eastern Conference rematch, the Detroit Pistons (4-22) are playing the Indiana Pacers (12-18) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Will Malcolm Brogdon and the Pacers even the head-to-head record this season versus the Pistons? 

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Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers news

Leading into tonight’s Eastern Conference battle, the Pistons are 16-12 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA season, whereas the Pacers are 13-16 against the spread. This contest will kick off at 7 p.m. ET, and it will air live through Bally Sports Detroit, Bally Sports Indiana, Bally Sports Midwest, Bally Sports South and NBA League Pass. Retrieved from Land of Basketball’s database, these two teams have played one another 202 times during the regular season all-time. Indiana is 104-98 versus Detroit. Though, in the previous three head-to-head meetings, the Pacers are 2-1 against them.

On Nov. 17, 2021, the Pistons defeated them 97-89 at Little Caesars Arena. Furthermore, the more interesting story for this matchup is all about Pistons rookie guard Cade Cunningham. The first overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft has averaged 22.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.8 steals per game over the last six games played. He is meeting expectations. In his first season, the 20-year-old is averaging 15.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game. His field goal shooting percentage is 38.2% as well.

Cade Cunningham last 6 games:

22.7 PPG
5.5 RPG
4.0 APG
1.8 SPG
52.4 3P% on 7.0 attempts

Remember when he couldn’t shoot? pic.twitter.com/ryVLrpRH8H

— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 13, 2021

Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers betting lines and odds

Sportsbook: BetUS

Over/Under: 210

Point spread: Pacers -10 (-110)

Best moneyline: Pistons +320, Pacers -370

Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers injury report

Pistons: C Kelly Olynyk (out six to eight weeks) | PF Jerami Grant (out indefinitely) | PG Killian Hayes (probable) | SF Isaiah Livers (out indefinitely)

Pacers: SF T.J. Warren (out indefinitely) | PG T.J. McConnell (out indefinitely) | SF Torrey Craig (questionable)

Roster Update: We have recalled Goga Bitadze from @TheMadAnts.https://t.co/w6wmIANeEE

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 16, 2021

Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers preview

Moreover, on Sunday, in the Pistons’ 116-104 home loss versus the Nets, rookie guard Cade Cunningham scored a team-high 26 points in 36 minutes of action. Frank Jackson also closed out his night with 25 points accumulated in 31 minutes played. While the Pistons outscored the Nets 46 to 38 in the free throw lane, their 19 turnovers did more than enough damage to hand them their 22nd loss of the season. Plus, Brooklyn outscored them 30 to 13 in the fourth quarter.

Not to mention, they struggled at the free throw line, shooting 12-for-18 (66.7%) overall. However, Detroit did have a decent performance offensively. They shot 39-for-92 (42.4%) from the field and 14-for-37 (37.8%) from three-point range. Having made this compliment, though, the Pistons’ losing streak was extended to 12 games. Following this loss, the team is now 2-11 at home, 2-11 away and 6-7 ATS at home during the regular season. Detroit ranks dead last in the Eastern Conference.

Referring to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Pacers have a 80% probability of winning. 

Meanwhile, in the Pacers’ 114-99 road loss on Wednesday, forwards Domantas Sabonis and Caris LeVert led their team in scoring, with each player amassing 16 points. Center Myles Turner ended his performance with 13 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 30 minutes played. Despite the Pacers outscoring the Bucks 34 to 29 in the opening second half, they were held to 12 points in the fourth quarter.

In addition to Indiana out-rebounding Milwaukee 45 to 38, the team scored 52 points in the paint. But, at the same time, the Pacers allowed 14 threes. Indiana shot 39-for-83 (47%) from the floor and 11-for-38 (28.9%) from behind the arc. After another defeat on the road, the Pacers are now 3-11 away, 9-7 at home and 9-6-1 ATS at home this season. On top of losing six of their last 10 games, the team ranks 13th in the conference.

Projected starting lineup

Pistons: PG Killian Hayes | SG Cory Joseph | SF Cade Cunningham | PF Saddiq Bey | C Isaiah Stewart

Pacers: PG Malcolm Brogdon | SG Caris LeVert | SF Chris Duarte | PF Domantas Sabonis | C Myles Turner

Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers prediction

Additionally, the total for tonight’s intraconference contest is set at 210. According to the spread consensus, 66% of bettors are pondering the likelihood of the Pacers covering the spread at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Regarding the point total consensus, 59% of gamblers are hoping the total will go over 210. Until now, Detroit is 1-1 as a favorite, 3-21 as an underdog and 6-7 ATS away, while Indiana is 8-9 as a favorite, 4-9 as an underdog and 9-6-1 ATS at home.

For imperative betting trends, the Pistons are 2-4 ATS in their past six performances this season. The total has gone over in four of their last five games played. Next, Detroit is 0-10 straight up in the team’s previous 10 contests. To add to these betting statistics, the team is 0-6 straight up in their past six road games. Finally, the the total has gone under in eight of Detroit’s previous 11 matches versus Eastern Conference opponents.

On the other side, the Pacers are 3-6 SU in their last nine performances. Also, the total has gone under in four of Indiana’s past five games played against Detroit. And, the team is 11-2 SU in their previous 13 matches versus the Pistons. Although, the Pacers are 1-5 SU in their last six matches against Central Division opponents. Therefore, considering these trends, think about picking the Pacers to win and cover the spread. If you require first-rate gambling strategies, be sure to review our handicap betting guide.

Learn more about betting in Indiana in our Indiana Sports Betting Guide.

Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers betting pick

Pick the Pacers to win, they will cover the spread and the total will go over 210. Indiana is a heavy 10-point favorite at home with BetUS.

All betting lines were retrieved from BetUS. Click below to claim a free bet, if you’re a new customer.  

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