Detroit Pistons vs. Houston Rockets Preview
Where: Toyota Center — Houston, TX
When: Friday, April 7, 2017, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Detroit Pistons (+11) vs. Houston Rockets (-11); total: 224.0 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: FSD
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Betting on the Detroit Pistons (35-43)
The Pistons are lucky to still be in the playoff race despite having lost seven of their last eight games (2-5-1 ATS). They’re three games short of the eighth seed in the east, and will need some outside help to clinch a postseason berth.
But they also have to take care of their remaining assignments, including this final regular-season matchup with the Rockets, who grabbed the 99-96 victory in the first meeting in Detroit earlier this season.
Defensively, the Pistons can flex their muscle against any team in the league, ranking ninth overall in defensive efficiency. Their rebounding prowess (53.9 RPG) has also prevented opponents from earning second-chance points. The problem, however, lies on the other side of the floor, where Detroit only averages 101.1 points per contest.
Ish Smith has stepped up in the absence of Reggie Jackson, garnering 17.4 points and 5.4 dimes over his previous five games. It’s nice to see this improvement from Smith, but the Pistons need more production from others to win this game.
Betting on the Houston Rockets (53-25)
For majority of the season, the Rockets have owned the third seed in the west, and thanks to Wednesday night’s 110-104 win versus Denver, they can look forward to entering the playoffs at that same position.
A returning James Harden, who was out with the flu prior to the Nuggets game, posted 31 points and 10 assists along with four threes. Trevor Ariza and Clint Capela added 15 points apiece and 21 rebounds combined to aid their superstar. Harden is averaging 30.0 points, 11.3 boards and 10.7 assists in the last three meetings with Detroit.
The Rockets are expected to have Ryan Anderson return from a sprained ankle here, which should finally allow them to start sharpening their form for the upcoming postseason. They’re 6-4 SU and 3-6-1 ATS in their past 10 games overall.
Writer’s Prediction
Rockets (-11) win, but do not cover.
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