Detroit Pistons vs Indiana Pacers
11:00am, Little Caesars Arena
The Pacers remain one of the hottest teams in the league despite having their six-game winning streak snapped at the hands of the Cavs on Wednesday.
Losing Tyrese Haliburton to another nagging hamstring injury was always going to cause problems, and that could be the case again on Friday against a plucky Pistons team that is making a serious push for the six seed currently occupied by Indiana.
Averaging close to a triple double this month, Cade Cunningham remains in line for an All-Star nomination, while it’s worth noting he’s cashed 25 or more points in two of his last five games against Indiana, and over 9 assists.
This is a division game, but as we saw in late November when the Pistons won 130-109, that doesn’t exactly mean it’s be close.
Not surprisingly, Indiana’s defensive rating drops three points when Haliburton isn’t on the court, so go ahead and back the Pistons to cover with plenty at stake.
Tip: Back the Pistons to Cover the Line (-2 Points)
Player Pick: Cade Cunningham Over 35.5 Points + Assists
Portland Trail Blazers vs Los Angeles Clippers
2:00pm, Moda Center
The Clippers tore apart the Nets last night for a comfortable win, but this is still a difficult travel spot hitting the road for a brief trip down the highway to face the Blazers.
Chauncey Billups’ side has managed only two wins so far this month, shooting around 38% from three and averaging close to 115 points a game to opponents.
Still, Shaedon Sharpe is enjoying his best month, averaging a tick over 20 points a game, while DeAndre Ayton continues to chip in nicely on the boards.
The Clippers have been an awful bet in the second half of a back to back this year, averaging less than 100 points and playing to a below-par 3-4 record.
With a rest advantage, the Blazers to cover at home isn’t as absurd as it might seem. And if you’re looking for a player prop, look no further than Clippers big man Ivica Zubac, who has put up double digit boards in his last two games against Portland.
Tip: Back the Blazers to Cover the Line (+5.5 Points)
Player Pick: Ivica Zubac Over Rebounds Total