The NBA is back in action as we are approaching the end of the year. Our prediction for today is the clash between the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic. Detroit lost 125-88 against the Pacers away on Friday night in their last contest. On the other side, Orlando managed a get a solid 116-87 win over Toronto at home Friday night in their previous game.
Detroit Pistons Form
The Pistons have not been playing well lately. They are heading into this game having lost 4 of their last 6 games. However, Detroit is still holding the last playoff spot in the East Conference. Moreover, this team has the quality to rise to the occasion and to secure their participation in the playoffs.
Also, Blake Griffin will need to improve as he only scored 18 points in their defeat against Indiana
On the offensive side of the game, the Pistons are placed on the 22nd spot in the league in scoring. Moreover, their average scoring stands at 107.7 points per game. Also, the Pistons have an average record of 46.8 boards per game combined with 22.3 assists per night.
Blake Griffin is the main man as he leads the team with 25 points per game, 8.9 rebounds and 5.2 assists per night.
On the defensive side of the game, the Pistons are placed on the 13th spot in the league. Their defence scoring record stands at 109.5 points per game.
Orlando Magic Form
The Magic also have not been playing well lately. They have lost their last four games in row. However, the Magic managed to turn the tide as they beat a strong Raptors team on Friday night. Also, they have a good chance for a playoff spot as they are only 1.5 points behind the Pistons in the Eastern Conference.
A win in this game against a direct rival can put them on track to get that final playoff spot.
The Magic will have the in-form Nikola Vukcevic. The Montenegrin has scored 30 points and had 20 rebounds in the game against Toronto. Yet, it will be interesting to see how he will play against the solid Pistons defence.
On the offensive side of the game, The Magic have some average stats this season. They have a scoring average of 103.3 points per game. Therefore, this record is enough for the 27th spot in the league in scoring.
Nikola Vukcevic is their main offensive weapon as he has an average of 20.5 points per game.
On the defensive side of the game, the Magic have been solid this season as they concede an average of 107 points per game. Therefore, this record is enough for the sold 8th spot in the league.
Prediction
All in all, I generally believe that the Pistons are the better team. However, their drop in form has been really bad lately. Moreover, this away game against the direct rivals comes at a bad time for them.
The Magic demolished the Raptors on Friday night and the momentum is on their side. Surely, they will try to take advantage of the good atmosphere after the win on Friday. And while the Pistons have enough quality to win here, yet I expect that the Magic will win this game.
My Free Pick & Prediction for Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic on 12/30/2018
is: Take the Orlando Magic -130 (money line)
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