The Detroit Pistons (15-14) will travel to the Spectrum Center to go head-to-head with the Charlotte Hornets (15-15). The Hornets opened as 3.5-point favorites. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 216 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports Carolina at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018.
Detroit Pistons at Charlotte Hornets ATS Odds
The Pistons defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last outing, 129-123, despite being 5.5-point underdogs. The Hornets, on the other hand, beat the Cleveland Cavaliers,110-99, but were unable to cover as 14-point favorites. The Detroit game went 35.5 points over the projected point total of 216.5, while the Charlotte game went 5.5 points under the projected point total of 214.5.
Detroit made 20 of their 48 three pointers (41.7 percent), while Minnesota was 9-33 (27.3 percent). The Hornets, meanwhile, had a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 29.5 (above their season average of 20.8) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.565 (above their season average of 0.521). Kemba Walker played a key role for Charlotte with 30 points and six assists. Meanwhile, Blake Griffin had a good game for Detroit, recording 34 points and eight rebounds.
The Hornets have won both contests against the Pistons this season. In their most recent game, the two teams combined to put up 215 points, just under the projected point total of 216.5. Charlotte won 108-107 but was unable to cover as a 6-point favorite. One of Charlotte’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 37 trips to the line, while Detroit went just 21 times. In the victory, Walker led all scorers with 31 points.
Of the Pistons’ 29 games, 14 have finished over the total. Detroit comes into the contest with records of 15-14 straight up (SU) and 15-13-1 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Hornets’ 30 games, 16 have finished over the total. Additionally, Charlotte owns records of 15-15 SU and 16-14 ATS.
It might be a tough game for Charlotte on the offensive glass. The Hornets rank 25th in offensive rebounding percentage (21.1 percent), while Detroit ranks second in defensive rebounding percentage (79.9 percent).
Pistons vs. Hornets Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Pistons, ATS Winner – Pistons, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Pistons average 49.310344827586206 points in the paint per game, which ranks 12 in the NBA. The Hornets rank 19 in points allowed in the paint per game (49.333333333333336).
- Detroit averages 47.3 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. Charlotte ranks 25th in rebounds allowed per game (46.2).
- The Pistons rank fifth in fast break points allowed per game (11.2) while the Hornets rank 19th (14.2).
- Detroit ranks third in second chance points allowed per game (11.4) while Charlotte ranks 16th (13.5).
- Charlotte ranks 2 in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.466666666666667) while Detroit ranks 13 (16.517241379310345).
- The Pistons average 33.8 three pointers per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. The Hornets rank 24th in three pointers allowed per game (33.4).
- The Hornets rank 14 in blocks per game (5.366666666666667) while the Pistons rank 25 (3.9310344827586206).
- Charlotte ranks 19 in steals per game (7.433333333333334) while Detroit ranks 25 (6.793103448275862).
- Detroit ranks 11th in assists allowed per game (23.5) while Charlotte ranks 26th (25.5).
- In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Detroit is 2-0 and Charlotte is 4-0.
- The Pistons are 15-10 when they score more than 100 points, while the Hornets are 15-14.
- Charlotte is 9-9 ATS at home, while Detroit is 8-4 ATS on the road.
- Of the Pistons’ 12 road games, they have 6 overs, 5 unders and 1 push.
- In 18 home games, the Hornets have 10 overs and 8 unders.
Bettings Trends:
- The Pistons are 3-1-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Hornets are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Detroit has 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push, while Charlotte has 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Pistons’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 0.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Hornets have scored an average of 112.2 points per game (1.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 113.4 points per game (2.0 above their season average).
