Friday night’s five-game NBA schedule is headlined by a doubleheader on ESPN. Tips for the Eastern Conference game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The Cavaliers come with a record of 37-23, while the Pistons lead Mpumalanga with 43-14.
Let’s get into my Cavaliers vs. Pistons.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons odds
Money line: Cavaliers +220 / Pistons -270
Spread: Cavaliers +7 (-114) / Pistons -7 (-106)
Total: Over 225.5 (-108) / Under 225.5 (-112)
Best bet for Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons: Pistons -7 (-106)
These two teams may end up facing each other in the semifinals or finals, but that playoff series likely won’t be the same as the one we’ll see on Friday. Cleveland is without Donovan Mitchell, who has a groin injury. It goes without saying that the Cavaliers are a much different team without Mitchell’s 28.5 points and 5.8 assists on the floor. With Mitchell out and the Pistons in incredible shape, Cleveland’s top-heavy club might opt to just blow this game — especially if the visitors fall behind early. After all, they are worried about being healthy at the right time – in the playoffs (which was not the case last year). Currently, there are none. Joining Mitchell on the injury report are James Harden (thumb), Dean Wade (ankle), and Dennis Schroder (ankle). They are everyday things.
The Cavs probably know they’ll have their hands full even if they have some of those aforementioned players to use. The Pistons are at home and bring a 9-2 record in their last 11 games in this contest. They are 22-7 at Little Caesars Arena this season and just took care of Oklahoma City 124-116 at home on Wednesday. Jalen Duren was suspended just two games for his role in the recent fight with Charlotte earlier this month, so he’s back to work. In the three games since that setback, these are the all-star center’s stat lines: 26 points and 13 rebounds; 25 points and 14 rebounds; 29 points and 15 rebounds.
These two teams recently met on January 4. Detroit won 114-110 even though the game was in Cleveland, the Pistons were without Duren, and the Cavs were with Mitchell. Cleveland is 1-3 against the spread in their last four games and 1-3 ATS in the last four head to head meetings. The Pistons are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games.
