Pacers vs. Pistons, predictions, odds, pick, spread

These two teams are extremely similar this year. This Detroit Pistons the team has done almost a 180 from where they were last year. The Indiana Pacers they are also red hot and have finally found their groove. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with Pacers-Pistons prediction and pick.

The Pacers have been playing well lately. Despite losing in the final timeout, they have won six of their last seven games and are 22-19. They are led by the big three of Pascal Siakam, Benedict Maturin and Tyrese Haliburton.

The Pacers are one of the best forwards in the NBA and have the skill set to score on any team in the league. This should be an interesting matchup because of how well the Pistons have been playing this season.

The Pistons were a disaster last year, but they looked different. At 21-19, they have won seven of their last eight games. Cade Cunningham has been great and Jaden Ivey has also improved a lot this year.

Cunningham drives this team, and he will be key in this matchup against the Pacers to go bucket for bucket with them. This is a big game for the standings of the Eastern Conference as a whole.

Here’s Pacers-Pistons NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA odds: Pacers-Pistons odds

Indiana Pacers: +1.5 (-105)

Moneiline: +106

Detroit Pistons: -1.5 (-115)

Moneilines: -124

Over: 229.5 (-108)

Under: 229.5 (-112)

How to watch Pacers vs. Pistons

Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit

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Why the Pacers could cover the spread/win

The Pacers offense is the main reason why they are playing so well this year. They are 11th in scoring at 115.3 points per game, fourth in field goal percentage at 38.9%, and eighth in three-point percentage at 37.3%. Seven different Pacers are averaging more than double figures, and Pascal Siakam leads the team in scoring with 20 points per game.

Halliburton leads the team in assists with 8.8 per game and should be back in time for this game. Siakam, Halliburton and Benedict Maturin are the pieces that make up this offense and help Halliburton return after dealing with a strained groin. Balance makes this team offensive, and they should have no problem scoring against the Pistons.

Why the Pistons could cover the spread/win

The Pacers have struggled to find success on defense this year. They are 22nd in scoring defense at 115.2 points per game, 20th in field goal defense at 47.3% and 13th in three point defense at 35.6%.

Front court Miles Turner and Siakam has been the key to success down low. Siakam leads the team in rebounding with 7.3 per game, while Turner is second with 7.1. Turner also leads the team in blocks with 2.0 per game.

If Halliburton returns, he leads the team in steals, but if he misses another game, TJ McConnell is next, with Halliburton at 1.3 and McConnell at 1.2, respectively. This is a bad matchup for this defense as they haven’t been able to slow anyone down all year.

The Pistons’ offense was terrible last season, but has taken a huge leap this year. They are 15th in scoring at 112.4 points per game, 13th from the field at 46.9% from the field and 11th from behind the arc at 36.9%.

Five Pistons are averaging more than double-digit points. Cade Cunningham was the leading offensive player with 24.5 points per game and led the team in assists with 9.4 per game.

This offense also relies on Jaden Ivey and Malik Beasley in addition to Cunningham. They should find enough offense against a defense as bad as the Pacers in this game. The Pistons are balanced and finally have a spark on offense this season.

The Pistons defense took a step forward after how bad they were last year. They are 16th in points allowed at 113.3 points per game, 19th in field goal percentage at 46.9%, and 29th in three-point percentage at 37.9%. The frontcourt of Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart were great on defense down low.

Duren leads the team in rebounds with 9.4 per game, while Stewart leads the team in blocks with 1.3 per game. Two players are also averaging at least 1.0 steals per game, with Ausar Thompson leading the team with 1.6 per game. The Pistons defense has taken a huge step forward, but this is a bad matchup against an offense as good as the Pacers.

Final Pacers-Pistons Prediction & Pick

These two teams play very similarly, but the Pistons are the pick in this game. They are the better all-around team. You can rely on their offense and defense in this game and you can’t 100% for the Pacers. The Pacers also have a big question mark surrounding Halliburton and his health. The Pistons win and cover in this game.

Pacers-Pistons Finals Prediction and Pick: Detroit Pistons -1.5 (-115)