Detroit Pistons Vs. Los Angeles Lakers
2/3/13 Steve’s Free NBA Basketball Pick Against the Spread
The Detroit Pistons will have their hands full with Kobe and company here on Sunday as the Pistons host the Lakers.
The Detroit Pistons are just 18-29 on the year, and even though Detroit still has plenty to play for, it would require the Pistons to go on a big run here in the second half of the season, and honestly I just don't see that happening. Detroit has played well at times this season, and their defense is stout once again, allowing just 96 points per game, but offensively the Pistons lack the firepower to make any kind of extended run, which Detroit would need if they were to get back into the hunt in the East.
The Los Angeles Lakers are 21-26 on the year, and even though the Lakers still trail by 12.5 games in the Pacific division, you are starting to get a sense that this team is turning things around a bit. LA has won four out of their last five heading into Sunday's match-up with the Pistons, with their last win being against a solid Timberwolves team on the road. All being said, the Lakers still have plenty of work to do if they are going to right the ship, but if LA can keep things going in this direction, the playoffs are not out of the question, the defense for the Lakers just needs to improve upon their 100.9 points per game average.
The Detroit Pistons are 22-25 against the spread on the year, and heading into Sunday's game against the Lakers, Detroit is 11-14 against the number at home. The Lakers are 19-27-1 against the spread overall on the year, and on the road the Lakers are just 7-14-1 ATS.
My play here is going to be on the Pistons. The Lakers are playing really well right now, but Detroit is always a tough out at home. The Lakers offense is tough to stop, but this is a long road trip for LA and I think the physical nature of the Pistons D will be to much for Kobe and company. This isn't my favorite play as I could see it going either way, and honestly I am laying off this one, but having to choose I'll take the points with the Pistons and their defense at home against the Lakers.
Steve’s Pick: Detroit +3
