Detroit Pistons vs Philadelphia 76ers: Lower-ranked Pistons take on championship aspirants 76ers

The NBA betting scenario is heating up as the battle for the Playoffs has been at its peak recently. Barely 10 days remain in the Regular Season and it is not a surprise that certain Playoff aspiring teams have picked up their game. In the East, it is unclear which team will finish at the top but currently, the Miami Heat sits at the top. On the other hand, the Milwaukee Bucks have closed in for the top spot. Whereas the Philadelphia 76ers surely remain in contention for the top rank as well, and the 76ers will take on the Detroit Pistons here.

Context

Pistons are much better but still losing a bunch

The play of the Pistons has improved ever since the mid-February window and although the team is lottery-bound, they are still pushing opponents to the brink. Most of their games recently have been decided in 1-9 points range, which is a far cry from earlier in the season when the team was blown away 15+ points regularly. The defense has been tight, especially at home while the offense has been ticking too more often than not.

Cade Cunningham’s scoring has picked up in the second half of the season while he has also led the team in assists. Isaiah Stewart has been a terrific Center as a rebounder and a defender, while Marvin Bagley III has been huge as the rim-runner. Killian Hayes’ play has improved compared to earlier and he can be a defensive force down the line. Saddiq Bey needs to sort out his efficiency and the Pistons can build something special next season.

The 76ers are strong away from home

The 76ers have lost two games in a row but against elite squads. However, despite all of that, the team remains in firm contention to still somehow land on the top spot but the most likely scenario is them finishing from anywhere between the second and fourth spot. They have 46 wins and 29 losses in total, and the last two games' losses have hampered their claim to the top for sure.

But all that aside, it will not be easy to fend off the team in the Playoffs. With Embiid and Harden, they have two MVP-level players who can go past 25 points during a bunch of games while both are also terrific rebounders. Harden runs the Point while Embiid is the leading defensive presence inside. However, a lot will hinge upon Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey during the Playoffs though the defensive presence of Matisse Thybulle and Danny Green will also come into play.

Injuries

• Sixers: No injury at the time of writing;
• Pistons: Cory Joseph is a “Game-Time Decision”. Jerami Grant and Hamiduo Dialls are OUT for the season.

Player Props Predictions

Assuming these players are available, below are my player props predictions:

• I believe Joel Embiid will score at least 30 points;
• I see Saddiq Bey clipping at least 16 points;
• I see James Harden dishing at least 11 assists;
• I see Cade Cunningham dishing at least 7 assists;
• I believe Tyrese Maxey will clinch at least 18 points;
• I see Isaiah Stewart grabbing at least 11 rebounds.

Expert Betting Tips

Points Range: On average, the 76ers have been able to pull past 110 points more often than not with Harden and Embiid active. On the other hand, the Pistons are less likely to reach 110 but they have had some strong offensive outings especially when Cade Cunningham and Marvin Bagley have gotten going. Defensively, the 76ers are a strong squad with Thybulle, Green, Maxey, and Embiid patrolling the line while the Pistons have had some strong games defensively at home, it will be difficult for them to break the 76ers offense despite that. I see the total points range as 220-230 here.

Prediction: The 76ers will surely enter as the favorites and that is not surprising considering how they are able to fend off lower-ranked teams. The Pistons have kept it tight at their home, usually being in the game till late but have still ended up losing by small margins. I believe Embiid will dominate the middle and the 76ers will win this game by a scoreline of something like 117:107.

Betting Odds

• Individual Total 2 Over 116.5 for 1.90;
• 22bet Total Over 223 for 1.95;
• 1xbet Player Props: Player Assists: James Harden Under 9.5 for 1.80;