Los Angeles Clippers vs Detroit Pistons: NBA Spread Prediction, 2–9–2018
Free NBA Spread Pick by Richard Hartline of Precision Picks
Los Angeles Clippers vs Detroit Pistons
Line: Pistons -3.5
Game Time: Friday, February 9th, 7 PM EST
Blake Griffen will face his former team for the first time since being traded on January 29th when the Clippers visit the Pistons. The Pistons (27–26) have had a positive bounce since the deal winning a season high-tying five straight (four with Griffen) without a loss on the heels of a season-worst eight-game losing streak. Los Angeles has also played well, winning four out of their last five games. Current odds list the Pistons as -3.5 point home favorites.
It appeared that Los Angeles was throwing in the towel after trading their 5 time NBA All-Star and their franchise player but they have responded nicely. Don’t expect the Clippers to make any noise in the West but they are still in the Western Conference Playoff picture. Lou Williams is leading this team in scoring, averaging 23.3 points per game and assists, 5.3 per game. The Clippers are currently 7th in the league in scoring offense with 107.6 points per game and 21st in scoring defense by allowing 107.1 points per game.
So far, Detroit seems to be a good fit for Blake Griffen. Griffin is averaging 21.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists in the four he has played following the deal. Griffen and Andre Drummond (15 PPG, 15.6 RPG) make one of the top frontcourts in the Eastern Conference and as long Griffen can stay on the court, they should rise up the Eastern Conference standings. The biggest beneficiary of this blockbuster deal among players who didn’t switch teams has been Pistons center Andre Drummond, who has averaged 18.4 points and 20.2 rebounds in his last five games after totaling 17 and a season-high 27 in Wednesday’s win. He has topped 20 rebounds in three of those games and has blocked 13 shots during Detroit’s win streak.
The Pistons are listed as 3.5-point favorites, with the line moving one point in their direction since its open. Detroit is 6–1–1 against the spread in their last eight matchups with Pacific Division teams and 15–6–1 versus the number in their last 22 inter-conference games. Expect Blake Griffen to play with extra incentive tonight and the Pistons have now become contenders in the Eastern Conference. I like the way this Pistons team is playing and laying -3.5 at home to the Clippers is a safe bet.
Clippers vs Pistons NBA Pick: Detroit Pistons -3.5
