The Pacers have a slightly better record and have the home court advantage in this matchup, so they will be the favorites. Indiana has performed well at home while Detroit has struggled on the road this year and the Pacers hope that trend continues in this one.
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Odds Analysis
The Pistons are 30-32 straight up and 30-32 against the spread. They have played in 31 away games this season and only covered in 12 of them. Detroit has done pretty well as the favorite this season but is only 10-18 against the spread as the underdog, and it will be getting points in this matchup.
The Pacers are 32-30 straight up and 29-33 against the spread. Indiana has played in 31 home games this year and covered in 16 of them. The Pacers are 13-16 against the spread as favorites on the year.
Player to Watch
Andre Drummond -- The best big man on the floor will be Detroit’s star. Drummond is averaging 14.7 points, 13.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game on the season, affecting the game on both ends of the floor.
He racks up double-doubles with ease and is a big presence in the lane when opponents attempt to drive. Drummond’s biggest issue on the offensive end of the floor is his free-throw shooting.
Drummond is hitting only 41.1 percent from the charity stripe this season and has been particularly awful of late. He has a pair of games recently against the Pelicans and Celtics in which Drummond went a combined 2-for-21 from the line.
Any time Drummond is in a good position to score, don’t be surprised if the Pacers foul on purpose to force him to the free throw line.
Key Stat
Five. That’s the number of games that separate the No. 6 seed, which is the Pacers, and the No. 11 seed, the Charlotte Hornets, in the East. Eight teams make the postseason, so it will be a mad dash to the finish.
The Pistons currently sit at the No. 8 seed, 1.5 games up on the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks. Detroit would love to move up at least one spot so they can avoid the defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers, who figure to win the East once again.
While the Boston Celtics are a solid team, they are a much more palatable first-round foe. The Pacers are ahead of the rest of the pack, but it’s so close that they have to avoid a swoon because it could send them tumbling down the standings.
Free NBA ATS Pick
These teams are pretty similar, as their records are close. While both have had some bright spots this season, neither is seen as a contender. The big difference in this one is the location.
If the game was in Detroit, the Pistons would be favored. However, Indiana should be able to feed off its home crowd in this one and pull out a win.
The talent level is close enough that it should be competitive. Keep an eye on the spread because if it gets too high the Pistons should be chosen to cover. However, the Pacers will likely get a big game from Paul George to help them secure a close victory.
It will be a critical win as the playoff race comes down to the wire in the Eastern Conference.
NBA Odds: Pacers 106, Pistons 102
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