The last time anyone saw the Pistons in action, they were laying points against the Sixers in a matchup where the market was infatuated with LeBron and company. The Pistons laid something of an egg and anyone who faded them on Wednesday night cashed their ticket. Now they've had four days to sit on that result. But that result has marinaded and baked into this line.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are heading into this contest riding a four-game winning streak, having just ended Portland's road winning streak with a six-point victory in Friday's NBA Cup match. Los Angeles was a 2.5-point favorite against the Trail Blazers and took care of business. The Lakers are playing well, winning games, and look trustworthy. That is also factored into the math. Put this all together and Detroit is set up for an underlay. I also have to like that scenario all things considered. The Pistons have had ample time to prepare, correct their mistakes, and regroup following the Philadelphia defeat. The Lakers, meanwhile, arrive with momentum but I am not interested in chasing Los Angeles after four consecutive victories. I'd rather back a Detroit outfit that has had four days to prepare and should be eager to put its last performance behind it. This looks like an excellent opportunity for the Pistons to respond. Oh and it doesn't hurt that the Pistons have won and covered the last four meetings either.
Lakers vs Pistons prediction: Detroit -1.5 (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable to -2.5.
