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In the first of two games to tip-off at 8:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers will travel to the Motor City to play the Detroit Pistons. This is the second-game of a back-to-back for both squads.
The Lakers (14-5) saw their three-game winning streak end on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. Los Angeles lost 107-106 after fighting back from a double-digit deficit late in the fourth quarter. MVP candidate and superstar forward LeBron James put together another masterful performance with a game-high 36 points (12-22 FG, 2-5 3pt), six rebounds, and six assists. Anthony Davis pitched in 23 points, eight rebounds, and two assists.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (4-15) have lost four of their last five games, including a 122-107 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. In that game, Detroit got another 20-point outing from Jerami Grant (26 points), but did not have an answer for the duo of Collin Sexton and Andre Drummond. Sexton had 29 points, while Drummond added 23 points and 16 rebounds. As a team, the Pistons struggled on the defense, allowing the Cavs to shoot 54 percent from the field and 52.4 percent from three-point range.
What can we expect from these two teams on Thursday night? And can the Pistons cover at home against the defending NBA champs? To answer those questions and more, here is our pick against the spread and a player prop you need to think about playing.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons, 8:00 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass
Pick ATS: Lakers -7.5
The line for Thursday night’s contest is set at 7.5 points, with the Lakers as the favorite on the road. The Lakers suffered their first road loss this season on Wednesday and have lost two-straight games against the spread. But that should not stop you from putting money down on Los Angeles, who is the overall better team than the Pistons.
Just like Wednesday night’s game, both Anthony Davis and LeBron James are questionable to play on Thursday. It would be a surprise to see neither play, but even if one of them decides to suit up, the Lakers should be able to cover with ease.
Player Prop: TBD Lakers player props are not posted yet.
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