The Boston Celtics (18-10) head to Little Caesars Arena to challenge the Detroit Pistons (13-13). The Celtics are 2-point favorites and have won eight games in a row, while the Pistons have lost their last six games. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 211 points and it gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Celtics (3.5-point underdogs) covered in a 129-108 win over the Atlanta Hawks. The Pistons were defeated by the Charlotte Hornets, 108-107, but did cover as 5.5-point underdogs. The Boston game went 17 points over the projected point total of 220, while the Detroit game went 1.5 points under the projected point total of 216.5.
The Celtics forced 24 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.584 (above their season average of 0.526). Detroit, on the other hand, held Charlotte to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.3 (below their season average of 21.3). Detroit’s Blake Griffin had a good game, contributing 26 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Meanwhile, Boston received a boost from Kyrie Irving, who recorded 24 points, five rebounds and five assists.
In their two contests this season, the Celtics have won both. The two teams combined for 213 points in their most recent game, which was just over the projected point total of 212. Boston won 108-105 but was unable to cover as a 9-point favorite. The Celtics’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Pistons. Boston had a rate of 12.5, while Detroit posted a mark of 14.5. Irving scored a game-high 31 points.
Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Celtics are playing, as 15 of their 27 contests have gone over the total. Boston comes into the contest with records of 18-10 straight up (SU) and 14-13 against the spread (ATS).
There does not appear to be a trend for games including the Pistons in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Moreover, Detroit owns records of 13-13 SU and 13-13 ATS.
Marcus Morris and Terry Rozier have been playing well over the last five games for Boston. Morris has averaged 19 points,5.6 rebounds per game, while Rozier has recorded 11 points,5.6 rebounds,4.2 assists,1.6 steals a game during that span.
The ineffective offense of Detroit will go head-to-head against the elite defense of Boston. The Pistons currently rank 25th in offensive efficiency, while the Celtics are first in defensive efficiency. The Celtics should have the edge on that side of the ball.
Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Celtics rank 5 in steals allowed per game (6.964285714285714) while the Pistons rank 14 (7.5).
- Boston ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.7) while Detroit ranks 22nd (5.6).
- The Pistons rank fifth in second chance points per game (15.1) while the Celtics rank 17th (13.0).
- Boston ranks fifth in points off turnovers per game (19.0) while Detroit ranks 16th (16.9).
- Detroit averages 33.38461538461539 three pointers per game, which ranks 10 in the league. Boston ranks 20 in three pointers allowed per game (32.17857142857143).
- The Pistons rank ninth in points in the paint per game (50.3) while the Celtics rank 29th (41.9).
- The Pistons average 47.53846153846154 rebounds per game, which ranks 5 in the NBA. The Celtics rank 16 in rebounds allowed per game (44.964285714285715).
- Detroit ranks 5 in fast break points allowed per game (11.115384615384615) while Boston ranks 6 (11.5).
- Boston ranks eighth in assists per game (25.4) while Detroit ranks 25th (21.7).
- Detroit is 2-0 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Boston is 7-2.
- In games where they reach 100 points, the Celtics are 18-7 and the Pistons are 13-9.
- Detroit is 6-9 ATS at home, while Boston is 7-9 ATS on the road.
- In 16 road games, the Celtics have 9 overs and 7 unders.
- The Pistons have 8 unders and 7 overs in 15 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Celtics are 5-0 ATS over their last five games, while the Pistons are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Boston has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Detroit has 3 unders, 1 over and 1 push.
- The Celtics\u2019 average margin of victory in their last five games has been 24.6, up from 8.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Pistons have scored an average of 104.0 points per game (5.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 114.4 points per game (4.2 above their season average).
