The Toronto Raptors visit Little Caesars Arena tonight, March 13th, to face the Detroit Pistons. Both teams rank very low in the Eastern Conference, with the Raptors occupying the 12th seed and the Pistons securely holding the 14th seed. The Raptors have 23 wins this season, while the Pistons have recorded only 11 wins so far, and they are the 3-point favorite for tonight's game.
Detroit is in a winning mood after a 114-97 triumph on Monday against the Hornets, justifying its status as a three-point favorite. On the other hand, the Raptors experienced a 125-119 loss to the Nuggets at the start of the week. Let's examine the odds for a bet with a Caesars sports promo code.
The Raptors Are In Free Fall
The Raptors are probably going to miss the playoffs. Their 23-42 record is not improving, as they are currently on a four-game losing streak. Being the visiting team tonight does not indicate a change of pace. None of their previous four losses were close games, although this team can cover the spread.
On average, Toronto scores 114.2 points per game, with 50.5% shooting from the field and 36.7% from beyond the arc. On the roster, Pascal Siakam has the most shining stats, with 22.2 points, and RJ Barrett is not lagging by much, with 20.8 points per game. In total, seven other players have double-digit scoring averages. The rookie Gradey Dick had a good showing against Denver, scoring 17 points.
The problem is that of those seven, two are already out for the season, and two, as is the case with Immanuel Quickley, who contributes with 17.9 points, and Gary Trent Jr. with 12.3 points per night as questionable for tonight's game. Defensively, the Raptors are struggling, allowing 118.3 points per night.
Pistons Can Build Upon Its Recent Momentum
After making Monty Williams one of the highest-paid coaches in the NBA, the Pistons probably did not envision that they would have one of the worst seasons in franchise history. Following a sequence of 28 consecutive losses, Detroit started winning games, but at a slow pace, and will probably beat the Wizards as the team with the fewest wins this season. Now, Detroit is in a position to build upon the momentum acquired after their win over Charlotte.
The Pistons average 112.4 points per game, shooting 47.7% from the field, and 23.8% for three-points. The most potent offensive players are Cade Cunningham, with 22.6 points and 7.5 assists per game, and Jalen Duren is also solid by producing 13.8 points per game and 11.7 rebounds per night.
Not surprisingly, the lack of defensive effort is one big reason for Detroit's disastrous record. The team concedes 120.8 points per game but has improved at protecting its perimeter and allowed only 97 points against the Hornets. The roster is overall healthy, with Ausar Thompson listed as questionable for tonight.
Betting Prediction
This will not be a marquee game, but because both teams have been on a similar trajectory this season, it is challenging to predict the outcome. The Raptors are banged up, while the Pistons are healthy and playing at home, coming into this game after a win. Bookie apps offer -155 odds on a Pistons moneyline bet, while the underdog Raptors receive a +130 betting line.
The 3-point spread gets equal -110 odds on both teams to cover. The total is 232 points with the identical -110 odds for the Over and Under bet. Detroit is starting to play more competitive basketball and has improved on the defensive side of the ball, making it the logical favorite.
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