NBA Basketball
2013-01-22 - Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Tuesday 22 January 2013 - Tip Off 7:30pm
12:30am (British Time)
Preview
With a trip to London negotiated, the Detroit Pistons (15-25) have already played one game back in the United States and will look to continue their decent home form, compared with their record on the road, in this one. Hosting the Orlando Magic (14-26) looks the perfect time to get over 0.500 for the Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills, especially with the latest Magic struggles.
In all honesty, it was never going to be a stellar season for Orlando when they basically blew up the roster once Dwight Howard decided he was going to leave the team. A solid early start to the season may have raised expectations, but they have sunk to a level that many would have expected.
Orlando have lost 10 of their last 12 games and they have particularly started to struggle against teams with losing records. In fact, the Magic have lost their last 8 to such teams and defensively they have struggled by allowing an average of almost 109 points per game in their last 12 games.
At least they can look to Glen Davis getting back to top production sooner rather than later. Davis has recently returned from an injury and produced 24 points with 6 rebounds in the last game, while the big man has averaged 18.8 points and 13.3 rebounds in his last 4 games against the Pistons.
While Orlando have struggled, Detroit have won 8 of their last 12 games in what has been a disappointing season for them so far. That was capped off with a loss to the New York Knicks in London last week, although the Pistons bounced back from that trip with a comfortable win over Boston at home on Sunday night.
The pressure will be on Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond to give Detroit some inside presence in this game as they have been outrebounded by the Magic in both losses to them this season.
Head to Head
Orlando have won both games against Detroit this season, once at home and once on the road, and they have covered the spread in both games.
Before that loss earlier this season, Detroit had won 2 in a row at home against Orlando, covering the spread in both.
Prediction
Detroit have shown a lot more in recent games than Orlando in recent games and you have to think they can continue that here.
The Pistons have two tough matches on the road coming up in the next three days, so you have to think they will do their all to get this one in the books. On the other hand, Orlando may not be fully focused for this one road game between stretches playing at home.
It'll be tight, but the Pistons to cover is my pick.
The Pick :
Detroit Pistons 106-99 Orlando Magic
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Detroit Pistons - 5 Points @ 1.92
