Welcome to my NBA picks series. Let's talk about the Cavaliers vs Pistons game, by analyzing both teams recent performance and predict the score!
Cavaliers
Well folks, there are about twenty games left until the play-offs start, and things do not look good in Cleveland. The Cavs are on a two game skid and losing three of the last four games. These were not close loses, they were outplayed in every loss and beaten handsomely. If that was not enough, Kevin Love is still out, coincidentally being injured during the last game between these two teams. Center Tristan Thompson, who suffered a sprained right ankle in Saturday's loss to Denver is also out. Larry Nance Jr will probably start at center, even though he appeared to suffer some sort of injury as well during Saturday's game. The good news for Cleveland is that Lebron looks as focused as ever, he is putting up big numbers every game and he knows how to motivate his team when it matters.
Pistons
I really thought that Detroit would be a more formidable team after acquiring Griffin and having that strong start with him. They are 2/8 in the last ten games, and their presence in the playoffs is being put into question. They are in ninth place, they recently lost to the Heat, which are now in eight place and look like the stronger team. Griffin and Drummond are playing well, but they struggle from three point range and commit lots of turnovers. This is probably a consequence of integrating Griffin into the rotation. Unfortunately, their three point percentage problem is probably also Griffin fault, indirectly though, as the Pistons traded some solid three point shooters to get him, namely Tobias Harris and Avery Bradley.
Previous Meetings, Stats
The Cavs are 2/1 against the Pistons this season. In their fist meeting, Cleveland won 116-88 in a low scoring game. Their second game was equally imbalanced, the Cavs winning 121-104. Their last game, with Griffin in the rotation, Detroit won, 125-114.
Cleveland defense has been atrocious this season, and things have not improved much since changing half of their players at the trade deadline. Their offense is much better, but it is way to much reliant on the three point shot. I believe they shoot the most three pointers in the league, more than Golden State, and spoiler alert: they are not as great at shooting three pointers as the GSW.
The Pistons have an overall good defense, allowing around 104 points per game. They have been declining in this stat during their last games and are very sloppy with the ball, committing a lot of turnovers. Detroit's offense is not much better, even with Griffin. They struggle scoring the three point shot and their bench production is quite weak.
Prediction
Both teams are struggling, but this is still Lebron and he plays at home. He will want to stop the skid, especially since they are in danger of losing the third position in the East. Having to play the Wizards in a potential first round match-up is not in Clevand best interest. That being said, the Pistons I believe will play a good game tonight and give Cleveland a run for their money. I predict a close game:
Point Spread, Detroit Pistons + 6 at 1.91 odds
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