The Los Angeles Clippers welcome the Detroit Pistons to the Staples Center for an intriguing matchup on Friday. The contest is set for a special, afternoon tipoff time, with all eyes in the NBA on Los Angeles. The Pistons are 4-14 this season, with the Clippers entering with a 10-8 record. Kelly Olynyk (knee) is out for Detroit, with Killian Hayes (thumb) listed as doubtful. Kawhi Leonard (knee) and Nicolas Batum (protocols) are out for the Clippers.
Caesars Sportsbook lists Los Angeles as the 11.5-point favorite at home for this 3:30 p.m. ET tipoff. The total number of points Vegas thinks will be scored, or the over-under, is 205.5 in the latest Pistons vs. Clippers odds. Before making any Clippers vs. Pistons picks or NBA predictions, see what SportsLine's advanced computer model has to say.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $9,000 in profit on its top-rated NBA picks over the past three-plus seasons. The model enters Week 6 of the 2021-22 NBA season up over $1,200 on all top-rated NBA picks this season. It's also on a stunning 115-76 roll on top-rated NBA picks against the spread that dates back to last season. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Clippers vs. Pistons. You can head to SportsLine to see its picks. Now, here are several NBA odds, betting lines and trends for Pistons vs. Clippers:
- Pistons vs. Clippers spread: Clippers -11.5
- Pistons vs. Clippers over-under: 205.5 points
- Pistons vs. Clippers money line: Clippers -700, Pistons +475
- DET: The Pistons are 8-10 against the spread this season
- LAC: The Clippers are 9-9 against the spread in 2021-22
Why the Pistons can cover
Detroit is struggling early this season, but the Pistons have a few paths to success in this matchup. The Pistons are above average in offensive rebound rate at 27.1 percent, and the Clippers are below-average on the defensive glass. Detroit is also a top-eight team in free-throw creation, averaging 21.2 attempts per game. On the other end, the Pistons create havoc, forcing the third-most turnovers per game in the league at 16.7 per game.
That includes 8.6 steals per game, a top-eight mark, and Detroit is playing a Clippers team that is bottom-three in the league in free- throw attempts at 17.7 per game. L.A. is also a bottom-five team in offensive rebound rate at 24.3 percent, and Detroit ranks in the top 10 in 3-point attempt rate allowed this season. With the Clippers often bombing away from long distance, that resistance will be key for the Pistons.
Why the Clippers can cover
The Clippers have been dominant on defense, giving up fewer than 1.03 points per possession. Los Angeles can bank on that side of the court in this matchup, particularly against a shaky Detroit offense, but the Clippers also have strengths on offense. Paul George is averaging 26.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game, with Reggie Jackson (probable, ankle) adding 18.3 points per contest in a supporting role. As a team, the Clippers are burying 35.3 percent of 3-point attempts after leading the NBA last season, and Los Angeles is also shooting 80.8 percent from the free-throw line.
The Clippers can take advantage of transition opportunities, averaging 14.1 fast-break points per game, and Detroit is below-average in shooting efficiency allowed, defensive rebound rate and free-throw prevention this season. On the whole, the Clippers have been excellent in November, out-scoring opponents by 4.6 points per 100 possessions, and L.A. is out-scoring opponents by 5.4 points per 100 possessions in all home games in 2021-22.
How to make Pistons vs. Clippers picks
SportsLine's model is leaning under on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 205 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in almost 70 percent of simulations. You can only get the pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Clippers vs. Pistons? And which side of the spread hits in almost 70 percent of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.
