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The Golden State Warriors meet the Detroit Pistons as 13 point spread favorites, in what could be a one sided game at Oracle Arena. One month ago the Pistons only lost by 6 points against Golden State in a tight game, but that was in Detroit.
The Warriors (33-6, 17-3 home) have been a bit shaky recently, even if they won 6 of their last 7 games and 13 of their last 15. Golden State has failed to blow out opponents, as they are generally expected to do. They had some collapsed in the 4th quarter and generally won by 10-12 points or even less, usually not covering the point spread. That`s not to say Golden State isn`t playing great basketball, they obviously do, but the talent they have should allow them to do even better right now.
Detroit (18-22, 8-13 away) is currently outside the playoff picture in the weaker Eastern Conference, but the race is very tight and the Pistons have every chance to eventually finish Top 8. Nevertheless, they do need to improve, as they haven`t played well this season. Detroit has been decent recently though, losing 3 and winning 3 of their last 6, with the losses being competitive against teams with playoff aspirations.
Bet on Warriors vs. Pistons and claim your 100% (100 Eur) free bet at Ohmbet now!After a few unimpressive performances Golden State improved a bit in the last two games, beating Sacramento by 11 away and Miami by 12 at home. Most importantly, they stopped blowing big leads in the 4th quarter. The 4th quarter performance spurred a lot of talk recently, the Warriors vowed to improve and they did, but they can still do better in finishing off games.
Besides the obvious difference in quality, Golden State has a number of key circumstantial advantages in this one, that could help them record a big win.
Detroit will play their 3rd road game in 5 nights, after beating Portland on Sunday night in two overtimes and losing two days later to Sacramento. Detroit was on track to defeat Sacramento, but they clearly lost steam late in the game, as a result of the travel and that grueling game against Portland. Now against the fast paced Warriors, Detroit will be in trouble if they can`t maintain full intensity for the entire game.
What`s more, things aren`t getting easier for the Pistons. They have another road game the next day, so if they trail by 10 points or more in the 4th quarter (which is expected to happen), they will most likely forfeit this match and rest their top guys for Friday’s game against Utah.
Detroit’s only advantage in this match seems to be the fact that they have Drummond at center, who can exploit the Warriors lack of rim protection, but in all honesty Drummond has been poor this season and he`s not expected to do much damage. Also regarding Detroit personnel, key PG Jackson has suffered from dehydration the last two days. He should be fine to play, but it`s unknown if he will be at his best or not.
Golden State is due a big win and I feel this is a perfect opportunity for them to get it. I expect them to dominate the Pistons and normally they should not lose the advantage in the 4th quarter – firstly because they are on a mission to improve in late game situations, secondly because the Pistons might be tired and might rest the starters if the game is even remotely out of hand. As such, Golden State might be the more motivated and fresh team in the 4th, even if they would already have a 10 – 20 point advantage.
I will bet on Golden State to cover the 13 point handicap (the handicap line is going up by the way). Prediction: Golden State Warriors – Detroit Pistons 125 – 101.
Pick: Warriors -13
Odds: 1.92 @ SlBet
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 8.28
Event date: 13 January
