The Detroit Pistons (11-36), travel to Amway Center Friday, to face the Orlando Magic (9-40). Tip-off is at 7 p.m. ET. We will be looking at the Pistons and Magic odds and lines and making our NBA predictions, picks and bets.
The Magic have the worst record and have only covered the spread in one of their six last games. Orlando is currently 2-8 in their last 10 games, with one being a loss to the Pistons in Detroit Jan. 8. Orlando is 21-28 against spread (ATS). Their home record of 3-18 is actually worse than their road record of 6-22.
The Pistons have now covered four consecutive spreads and are 7-3 against the spread in their last ten outings.
Three of the seven covers came as double-digit underdogs but they are still keeping the games close. Detroit is currently at 24-23 ATS overall, and 4-21 straight-up (SU) on their road trips.
Pistons at Magic odds spread and lines
Tipico Sportsbook provides odds. For a complete list, visit USA TODAY Sports Scores & Sports Betting Odds hub. Last updated at 10:35 AM. ET.
Magic -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
Magic -3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 212.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
Pistons at Magic Key Injuries
Pistons
F Kelly Olynyk Health and Safety Protocols
F Jerami Grant (reconditioning) out
Magic
None
Pistons at Magic odds and lines, picks, predictions, and picks
Prediction
Pistons 107, Magic104
Moneyline
SPRINKLE with the PISTONS (+133).
They are the superior team and have been an excellent covering unit. These teams are near the bottom of league in turnover rate and true shooting percentage.
This game could be decided by just a few points. However, the Pistons’ much better free throw rate may give them an edge. Detroit is the hotter team, and hasn’t played since Tuesday. Therefore, they should be well-rested.
Against spread
BET with the PISTONS+3.5 (-110).
According to them, home-court advantage is worth around 3 points. This would mean that these teams would be almost even on a neutral court.
Both teams are missing key players so it will be role players and youth that have to step up. I trust F Saddiq, who averages 15.9 points per match, more than guards Cole Anthony or Jalen Sugs.
Over/Under
PASS With a slight lean towards the Under 212.5 (-112).
Both teams are at.500. The Pistons are 23/23-1 O/U in this season’s NBA Finals, while the Magic are 24/24-1 O/U.
Despite this, there are two bad offenses as well as two bad defenses so anything could happen. As the best play in this matchup, I would stay away from Pistons.
