The more I watch the Detroit Pistons the more I am convinced they could have another 50+ win season. This team has come out firing in the first two games, beating two East rivals and dropping 120+ points on both the Celtics and Heat. It’s just a continuation of what they were doing in preseason – Detroit has now scored 120+ in 4 consecutive games. Interestingly enough, that wasn’t enough to convince the oddsmakers to have them as favorites in Sunday’s game at Philly. They also have the rest advantage here, having played Miami on Friday, while the Sixers were in action last night vs Milwaukee.
LeBron James opted to sit out the Bucks game, which the Sixers won without (m)any issues. They led by as many as 16 points at one point, however despite the win it has to be pointed out that the Bucks dominated in the rebounding department 62-40, including 17 of them on the offensive end. This being a 2nd night of a back-to-back, we might once again see some changes in the rotation. I’m looking specifically at Joel Embiid who has regularly missed these types of games due to precautionary reasons. That likely means Adem Bona stepping into his place to start at the center position, we might also see LeBron play some minutes at center, he already did that a fair chunk of the Knicks game on opening night.
I do like what I’m seeing from Philadelphia, but the Pistons are a well-oiled machine and have the rest advantage here. This team is playing with a chip on their shoulder, so many people called their 60-win season last year a fluke and what better way to prove everyone wrong than with a result against one of the main contenders. I’ll take my chances with Cade Cunningham and co. in this one.
Pistons vs 76ers Predictions: Pistons ML is available at +127 odds at time of publishing
