NBA Basketball
2011-12-31 - Indiana Pacers at Detroit Pistons
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Saturday 31 December 2011 - Tip Off 6pm ET
11pm (British Standard Time)
Preview
The Indiana Pacers (3-0) have made some good moves in the off-season and that has shown in their start to the new season. David West was the big free agent signing and he has fitted in seamlessly so far, although the Pacers will look to improve their shooting which is currently sitting at under 40% in games.
The Pacers won their 3rd game in a row to open the season, the first time they have done that since 2007, when they beat Cleveland in overtime last night, although it sounds like they were a little fortunate not to lose the game in regulation. That won't matter to the team now though as they cracked the 90 point mark as a team for the 3rd time and have only allowed more than 90 points on one occasion, that coming in overtime last night.
Indiana are a big team and have dominated the boards in their games so far this season with Roy Hibbert, David West and Tyler Hansbrough all reaching double-digits in rebounds when they last played Detroit on Monday night.
The Detroit Pistons (0-3) were expected to be one of the struggling teams in the NBA this season as they lost Rip Hamilton in the off-season and they have not disappointed so far. The Pistons were beaten easily in Boston last night, while defeats to Indiana and Cleveland in heavy fashion has hurt.
Detroit are struggling on both sides of the ball and that makes it very difficult to win basketball games. They average just 84 points per game this season while allowing 97 points and that is not going to get the job done in any way, shape or form.
Head to Head
Indiana have won 9 of the last 11 games in the series and they have gone 10-3 against the spread in the last 13 games.
However, they have lost their last two visits to the Palace of Auburn Hills, both straight up and against the spread.
Detroit are 0-3 against the spread this season, Indiana are 2-1.
Other Interesting Trends
Detroit are 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 games when playing on back to back nights.
However, they are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 home games.
Indiana are 5-16 against the spread in their last 21 games when playing on back to back nights.
Prediction
I am going to back the Indiana Pacers to continue Detroit's poor start to the season for the following reasons:
First, I expect Indiana's big players will give them chances to get second chance points and I expect that will allow to cover their struggles from the field.
Second, Detroit look a little lost at the moment as they go through a transitional period and have been struggling on both sides of the court.
Third, Indiana do have a very good record against Detroit, despite losing their last two visits to this Arena, and have already beaten the Pistons comfortably this season.
The Pick :
Detroit Pistons 88-96 Indiana Pacers
