The Denver Nuggets are Washington Wizards are both in a logjam of teams in the bottom half of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Four spots separate the teams in the standings but only two games, and if the Pistons can protect their home court in a matchup against the Wizards this week it would go a long way in inching up the standings.
While there is plenty of time for everything to play out, games like this are crucial as the teams are jockeying for position. It’s unlikely a head-to-head tiebreaker will come into play between these teams but a win in this one will improve that standing for victor.
The Wizards fancy themselves an elite team in the East but are clearly on the second tier behind the Celtics, Cavs and Raptors. Washington is hoping a win can give it some breathing room from the teams giving chase and help close the gap on the best in the East.
This war on the floor will go down Friday, January 19, 2018, at 8 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena. The game will be televised live on ESPN.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Friday schedule.
Odds Analysis
The Wizards enter with a record of 25-19 straight up but just 19-25 against the spread. Washington has covered in 11 of 20 attempts on the road this season. The spread should be close but the Wizards could be slight underdogs. They are an impressive 11-3 against the spread as the underdog this season.
The Pistons are 22-20 straight up and 23-17-2 against the spread as they have outperformed expectations thus far. Detroit is 10-8-1 against the spread at home this year. The Pistons are 10-10-1 attempting to cover as the favorite.
Injury Report
The Pistons are not expected to have standout point guard Reggie Jackson as he continues to recover from a sprained ankle. Jackson is one of the team leaders. He is averaging 14.6 points, 5.5 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game but has missed several games of late with the injury.
The Pistons will have star center Andre Drummond, who missed some time of late with a rib injury. He has been back for the past four games and is averaging 14.3 points, 14.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game this season.
Drummond had only three points last time out in a loss to the Pelicans and will need to play a bigger role on offense in this one with Jackson still sidelined.
Player To Watch
John Wall -- While Bradley Beal is having a nice season, his backcourt mate isn’t putting up as strong of numbers as he did a year ago. Wall was slowed by an injury but has been better of late. He is still one of the best point guards in the NBA and should be in line for a big game in this one as Detroit has no one who can slow him down.
Wall is averaging 19.9 points, 9.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game this season. Those are all solid numbers but not at the same level of his awesome 2016-17 season. Wall has gone for 27 or more points in three of his past four games and seems to be turning up his play.
A good game from him is essential for the Wizards as they face a tall task winning this game on the road.
Free NBA ATS Picks
Look for Wall and Beal to lead the way as the Wizards go to Detroit and come away with a strong victory. The Pistons are a worthy adversary but the absence of Jackson will be hard to overcome against a Washington guard combo that could excel.
Check out the spread closely. If the Pistons are favored, definitely take the Wizards in this showdown.
NBA Odds: Wizards 106, Pistons 104
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