Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers 2/13/24 – The Detroit Pistons (8-44) limp into crypto.com Arena on Tuesday to take on the Los Angeles Lakers (28-26), in a matchup between one of the league’s biggest underachievers and a team fighting to stay alive in the Western Conference playoff race. With the teams trending in opposite directions, our expert analysis will provide winning NBA picks for bettors looking to wager online.
| When: | Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 10:30 PM ET |
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| Where: | Crypto.com Arena |
| TV: | SportsNet LA |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Views from practice pic.twitter.com/NIxbS7gFSg
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) February 13, 2024
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pistons | +11.5 -115 | o238 -110 | +500 |  |
| Lakers | -11.5 -105 | u238 -110 | -650 | |
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Cade Cunningham (PG) vs. LeBron James (SF)
Cade Cunningham has provided occasional flashes of brilliance this season, but the former #1 overall pick has mostly endured growing pains on the league’s worst team. Cunningham is averaging 22.4 points, 4 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game while shooting 41.3% from the field. His inconsistent efficiency and 3.7 turnovers per game underscore the talented youngster’s continued development. However, with Cunningham’s competitive fire, he won’t back down from the challenge of facing the NBA’s elder statesman LeBron James.
LeBron James continues to defy age and critics alike in his 20th NBA season, powering the Lakers back into the Western Conference playoff picture. James is putting up 24.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists per night while playing 36 minutes a game at age 39. His ability to affect all facets of the game and leadership in rallying the Lakers out of their early season hole has been a sight to behold. Look for James to pace Los Angeles on both ends Tuesday night.
When these two dynamic forces collide, Cunningham’s raw athleticism could pose problems even for the battle-tested James defensively. However, LeBron’s high basketball IQ and veteran savvy should win out versus the mistake-prone sophomore. Cunningham may put up flashy numbers, but expect James to make the winning plays that impact winning. His ability to dominate without having to score makes the King a threat anytime he steps on the court.
Pistons’ Offensive Firepower Belies Porous Defense
The Pistons are averaging a respectable 113.3 points per game, powered by a solid 47.6% field goal percentage. However, their lack of commitment defensively leads to giving up over 117 points per night on 49.1% shooting. Until Detroit locks in on defense, they will struggle to close out games even when Cunningham and crew light up the scoreboard themselves.
Lakers Balance Strengths and Weaknesses
In contrast to Detroit, Los Angeles has shown they can win games in multiple ways. The Lakers score 116.5 points a night behind strong production from James and Anthony Davis while holding opponents to 114 points per game. While their defense isn’t elite, it’s just good enough to allow their top-tier offensive talent to shine through. Bet on Los Angeles to put up points in bunches Tuesday night.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
Given their relative strengths and records, the Los Angeles Lakers seem favorable at home. Considering Detroit’s poor road record may not be enough as the Lakers look to make a statement on national TV.
Trends
Detroit Pistons Betting Trends
Pistons are 2-3 in their last 5 games.
Detroit Pistons are 4-1 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Pistons are 14-11 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Pistons’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 12 of Pistons’ 27 last games at home.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
Lakers are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
LA Lakers are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Lakers are 11-16 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Lakers’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 11 of Lakers’ 28 last games at home.
Injuries
Detroit Pistons
Evan Fournier SG Is “?” Tuesday vs LA Lakers, Acquired
Malachi Flynn PG Is “?” Tuesday vs LA Lakers, Acquired
Isaiah Stewart PF Is out indefinitely, Ankle
Quentin Grimes SG Is “?” Tuesday vs LA Lakers, Knee
Los Angeles Lakers
Spencer Dinwiddie PG Is upgraded to probable Tuesday vs Detroit, Acquired
Jarred Vanderbilt SF Is out indefinitely, Foot
Cam Reddish SG Is out indefinitely, Ankle
Gabe Vincent PG Is out indefinitely, Knee
Max Christie SG Is out indefinitely, Ankle
Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Picks
LeBron James may not be the statistical force he once was, but his basketball IQ and well-rounded brilliance still allow him to dominate games, especially against younger players like Cunningham. While Detroit has enough offensive talent to keep things interesting, the Lakers have found their groove again. Trust James and Los Angeles to rise to the moment under the bright lights in LA, covering the spread if not winning in a blowout against the hapless Pistons. Online bettors may use this as a guide when placing their bets on top-tier online sportsbooks. Sign up today to make your NBA betting prediction!
Score Prediction: Lakers 118, Pistons 108.
