Detroit Pistons vs LA Lakers Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 23, 2024
Dare we say that the LA Lakers are back? Considering their recent performances and a relatively favorable schedule coming up Purple and Gold are favorites to extend their winning momentum. Their best win streak so far this season has been six games, following which they had two three-game losing stretches. Consecutive road wins against the Sacramento Kings have seen them get back on track. and they hope to take care of business when they host the Detroit Pistons at the Crypto.com Arena on Monday.
The last time both these sides met, the Lakers were taken apart 115-103 despite Anthony Davis' 37-point masterclass and a painful ankle injury he gutted through. Detroit put in a collective team effort with all their starters in double-digits. It has been a wobbly campaign for the Pistons since as they sit 10th in the East with a 12-17 record. The silver lining is heading into Monday's matchup on the back of a 133-125 win over the Phoenix Suns.
The Lakers are riding high on confidence with a 2-0 win over Sacramento and a victory over the Memphis Grizzlies before their road trip. Payback will also be the theme when they take on the Pistons ahead of their Christmas Day showdown against the Golden State Warriors. This will also be the last time both teams meet this season. Last year, LA sealed the three-game series 2-1.
Detroit Pistons vs LA Lakers Preview, Predicted Starting Lineups, Betting Tips. Odds, and Prediction
The LA Lakers vs Detroit Pistons tips off at 10:30 PM ET. Local coverage will be on SportsNet LA and FDSDET. The game can also be streamed live on the Fubo App (regional restrictions may apply) and on the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.
Here are the odds as listed at the time of writing:
Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off.
Detroit Pistons vs LA Lakers Preview
The Pistons have blown hot and cold this season, but are no pushovers. They might not be the 90s 'Bad Boys' that instilled fear, but the current crop plays good ball led by a talented young pair in Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. They have the experience of Tim Hardway Jr. and Tobias Harris adding more firepower. The Pistons beat the Lakers after the latter's poor rebounding and paltry fourth-quarter defense.
The Pistons are 18th in scoring offense averaging 111.7 points and scoring 108.6 points per every 100 possessions. They are shooting 46.5% from the field (13th in the NBA) and 16th in three-point offense (36.3%). Defensively, they are 20th allowing 114.6 PPG and 112 points per 100 possessions.
LA will hope that their surging defense will rise to the fore when they play the Pistons. They have been brilliant on the defensive end of the floor holding their opponents to less than 100 points in as many possessions. They contained the three-pronged offense of the Kings to just 199 points across the two games. The question is whether they can maintain the same intensity and consistency when they take on Detroit
The Lakers have managed to stay 18th on scoring defense averaging 113.7 points per game and allowing 111.9 per 100 possessions. They allow their opponents to 47.1% from the field (22nd) and 18th in three-point shooting (36.5%). LA is 20th in scoring offense averaging 111.1 points per game and 109.9 points per 100 possessions. They are shooting 46.9% from the field (11th in the league ) and 34.4% from the deep (22nd).
Detroit Pistons vs LA Lakers Predicted Starting Lineups
LA has listed Anthony Davis (left shoulder contusion) and LeBron James (left foot injury management) as questionable. Jaxson Hayes (right ankle sprain), Jalen Hood-Schifino (left hamstring strain), recovery), and Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt (surgery recovery) are all out. Expect them to field the same starters they did against the Kings.
Isaiah Stewart (left knee hyperextension) is ruled out of Monday's clash. They will most probably stick to the same starting five against the Lakers.
Detroit Pistons vs LA Lakers Betting Tips
LeBron James comes into the matchup with an o/u of -128/-114 on points. Anthony Davis is -120/-115 on points + rebounds. D'Angelo Russell is -108/-120 on points + assists. For the Pistons, Jaden Ivey is -115/-125 on points and assists. Tim Hardaway Jr. is -118/-118 on points and boards, and Cade Cunningham is -108/-118 on points.
Detroit Pistons vs LA Lakers Prediction
The Pistons may have had the better of the LA Lakers last game, but the latter have played better defense in their last few games. If they can take care of their defense, this can very well be their fourth win on the bounce. Solid form and surging defense make the hosts favorites. Take the Lakers to win on Monday.