Minnesota Timberwolves at Detroit Pistons Pick

The Detroit Pistons (31-31) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (29-34) will face off in an Eastern Conference versus Western Conference clash in the Motor City. The tip is set for 7:00 PM ET and will be televised on FSN. The Pistons have held the upper hand in this series as of late as they have won the last seven meetings between both sides. Over this span, the Pistons have gone an equally impressive 7-0 ATS. Detroit and Minnesota last crossed paths in December where overtime was required to determine a winner. As a 5.5-point underdog, the Pistons would stage an outright upset and defeat the T-Wolves 129-123.

Minnesota Timberwolves at Detroit Pistons Overview

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves enter into this contest riding a three-game losing streak. Minnesota has not been in action in three days since they took on the Washington Wizards in D.C. As a one-point underdog, the Timberwolves would fall to the Wizards by a score of 135-121. Minnesota has not covered in their last three games.

Detroit Pistons

Unlike their counterparts, the Pistons come into this contest in relatively good form as of late as they have gone 5-1 SU over their last six outings. Moreover, the boys from Motown have gone 4-1 ATS in their previous five contests. Most recently, the Pistons hosted the defending Atlantic Division champions the Toronto Raptors in Detroit three days ago and staged an upset as a two-point underdog. Though overtime was required to determine a victor, Detroit would win 112-107.

Reasons To Avoid Minnesota

On the road, Minnesota has struggled mightily as they have gone 9-24 SU outside of the Twin Cities. When you combine their road record with their present losing streak both straight up and against the spread, the T-Wolves are in a position to be taking back inflated points to entice action on them. Given the fact, Minnesota has also been dominated by Detroit in this series that propensity is heightened. Moreover, the Pistons are in position for an overreaction as a result of these narratives, and so far the consensus has followed suit with 70% of the public liking Detroit in this spot.

Reasons To Back Detroit

The Pistons have many disadvantages working against them here. First, Detroit commits more turnovers compared to their counterparts. This is not a sound practice for Detroit with respect to the fact Minnesota’s offense averages 5.4 more points per game (112.8 points per contest – 12th in the NBA overall) compared to Detroit’s 23rd ranked scoring offense which curates 107.4 points per game. Minnesota also owns a better field goal shooting percentage (45.6% – 18th in the NBA) compared to their Pistons counterparts who are one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA at 44% (29th in the league). These narratives make Detroit a hazardous play given the fact they could very well be laying more points than they should be.