Denver Nuggets vs Detroit Pistons Prediction 12-28-24 NBA Picks

The Denver Nuggets play host to the Detroit Pistons at the Ball Arena on Saturday night. Here’s a Denver Nuggets vs Detroit Pistons Prediction. This article will include a Denver Nuggets vs Detroit Pistons Pick.

The Detroit Pistons are starting to heat up as they are now gunning for a season-high fourth straight victory after sneaking past the Kings in a 114-113 road win on Thursday. Cade Cunningham led the team with 33 points and 10 assists, Malik Beasley added 22 points off the bench while Jaden Ivey chipped in with 19 points. As a team, the Pistons shot just 41 percent from the field and 17 of 44 from the 3-point line as they scored just 19 points in the second quarter to trail by as many as 19 points, before they came to life and exploded for 37 points in the fourth quarter to steal the lead with just 3.0 seconds remaining thanks to a free throw from Ivey.

Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have been in a bit of a rut as they’ve lost three of their past five games and they will be hoping to avoid a third straight defeat after getting routed by the Cavaliers in a 149-135 loss last night. Nikola Jokic led the team with a triple-double of 27 points with 14 rebounds and 13 assists, Jamal Murray added 27 points with 11 assists while Michael Porter Jr and Peyton Watson scored 18 points apiece. As a team, the Nuggets shot 55 percent from the field and 15 of 31 from the 3-point line, but they were porous on the defensive end and were always fighting an uphill battle after allowing 80 points in the first half.

Why the Denver Nuggets will win

• The Pistons have lost each of their last eight night games against Northwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
• The Nuggets have won each of their last eight games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The Pistons have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven road games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The Nuggets have covered the spread in five of their last six games on the second leg of a back-to-back.

Total Points Facts

• Nine of the Pistons’ last 10 games as road underdogs have gone OVER the total points line.
• Four of the last five night games between the Pistons and Nuggets have gone UNDER the total points line.

The Pistons could be at full health for this one with Isaiah Stewart currently listed as probable to return for this game, while the Nuggets are still missing Aaron Gordon who is dealing with a right calf strain. The Pistons have found form with a trio of wins while the Nuggets have gone in the opposite directions with two losses in their last two outings. It’s certainly tempting to take the shorthanded Nuggets to bounce back at home, but the Nuggets are playing on zero days’ rest, so I actually think the Nuggets can keep this one close or even get the win outright.

Peter Tran's Free Pick: Detroit +5.5

Need More? Get Premium Picks