Nets vs Pistons Pick, Preview & Betting Odds For Sunday, December 18th

Check out our free Nets vs Pistons pick and preview for this NBA game in Detroit. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.

Nets vs Pistons NBA Pick & Preview

Sport: NBA
Teams: Brooklyn Nets at Detroit Pistons
Where: Detroit at Little Caesars Arena
Date: Sunday, December 18th
Betting Odds DET +7, BKN -288 | DET +232 O/U 230.5

So far, the Nets have put together an overall record of 18-12, while going 14-15-1 vs the spread. In today’s game, Brooklyn will look to extend their 5 game winning streak. This has come while posting an average scoring margin of 5.6.

Brooklyn is going for yet another win, as they previously defeated the Raptors. With the 119-116 victory, they also covered the spread as 0 point underdogs. Brooklyn was able to mount a big second half comeback in large part to a strong 3rd quarter. After trailing at the half by 10 points, they actually went into the final quarter with the lead. Leading the team in scoring was Kyrie Irving, as he contributed 32 points while hitting 59.1% of his shots.

So far, the Pistons have put together an overall record of 8-23, while going 16-14-1 vs the spread. Against the spread, Detroit has a mark of 1-2. Straight up, their record is 1-2 in these games.

Detroit is trying to bounce back from a 122-113 loss to the Kings. Going into this game, the team was 6 point underdogs on the spread, giving them an ATS loss. Detroit went on to lose the game despite leading by 8 heading into halftime. In the loss, Bojan Bogdanovic led the team in scoring with 22 points on a field goal percentage of 37.5%.

Head To Head Recap & Stats

Last season the Nets did a good job on the road in their meetings vs the Pistons, going 2-0. This led to an overall series record of 4-0. Similar to their season-long average, the Nets averaged 114.75 points per game vs the Pistons. Just like the Nets, the Pistons maintained their usual level of scoring in head-to-head matchups, averaging 102.0 points per game vs Brooklyn. In terms of betting vs the spread, the Pistons have gone 3-2, but the Nets actually have a positive scoring differential. In these meetings, Brooklyn has averaged 114 points per contest, while allowing 103. In these contests, they averaged a combined 217 points per game, leading to an over-under mark of 3-2.

Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game

Through 30 games, Brooklyn is averaging 112.7 points per game (16th). Coming into today’s game, the Nets will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 11.5 made 3’s per game. If Brooklyn continues to struggle with their outside shot, they may look to start playing with more pace, as they are currently 21st in the league in possessions per game.

On defense, the Nets will look for some improved play, as they are currently the 18th ranked unit in points allowed per game.

Small-Forward Kevin Durant currently leads the Nets at 29.9 points per game. For the season, he is 17th in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 22.9% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Durant is averaging 6.6 boards and 5.4 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 3rd ranked defense at defending small-forwards. Kyrie Irving enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 21 games, he is averaging 25.6 and is 50th in the league in player efficiency rating.

For the season, the Pistons offensive unit is ranked just 22nd in scoring at 111.0 points per contest. When looking at the team’s pace of play, the Pistons are currently below the league average in possessions per game, averaging just 99.6 per contest. This slow style of play has made a difference in their overall scoring numbers, as Detroit is just 26th in made field goals per game.

Against the Nets, the Pistons will need a stronger defensive effort as they are ranked just 22nd in points allowed.

Power-Foward Bojan Bogdanovic currently leads the Pistons at 21.1 points per game. For the season, he is 80th in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 16.0% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Bogdanovic is averaging 3.6 boards and 2.4 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 28th ranked defense at defending power-fowards. Jaden Ivey enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 27 games, he is averaging 14.8 and is 289th in the league in player efficiency rating.