No team in the NBA’s Eastern Conference has a better home record than the Philadelphia 76ers (38-26), who have gone 28-2 at Wells Fargo Center. That’s the only reason why the 76ers are still in the playoff picture in the East, because they are a dreadful 10-24 away from home. Next up on their schedule is a visit from the Detroit Pistons (20-45), who are in a tailspin right now, losers of four in a row and nine out of ten. The 76ers have had some injury woes lately, with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons spending time on the shelf. SMU product Shake Milton has stepped up his offensive game, but the 76ers have not done as well without two of their key starters. Can Philadelphia take out some frustrations on the Pistons? Or will Detroit post what would be a significant upset? Don’t miss our sports betting preview. Let’s see how the NBA odds will be for the Pistons vs 76ers.
Pistons vs 76ers 2020 NBA Game Preview & Betting Odds
- When: Wednesday, March 11, 2020, 7:00 pm ET
- Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
- TV: No National Broadcast
- Radio: 97.1 FM The Ticket Detroit / WPEN 97.5 FM Philadelphia
- Live Stream: fuboTV
- NBA Odds: Philadelphia -11.5 / O/U 216.5
Why should you bet on Detroit?
The Pistons’ losing streak includes a setback in Sacramento, followed by home losses to Oklahoma City and Utah, and then a loss in New York City on Sunday night. The loss to the Knicks was a close game until the start of the fourth period, when Detroit trailed by just a single point, but then the Pistons only scored 13 points in the last quarter and fell, 96-84.
In that game, Christian Wood led the Pistons with 22 points and eight rebounds, and Bruce Brown also chipped in 16 points. The Pistons went just 4 for 19 from the floor, shooting 21 percent in the fourth quarter. Wood made a pair of free throws with 36 seconds left in regulation to help the Pistons avoid scoring the fewest points by any New York opponent this season. The Pistons were playing on the second night of a back-to-back, which may explain their lack of energy. After a couple days off, can the Pistons give the 76ers just their third home loss?
Why should you put your money on Philadelphia?
After getting a rare road win on Thursday in Sacramento, rolling over the Kings by 17, the 76ers went to Golden State to take on a Warriors team that is still struggling to get wins — and they lost by four, even though Stephen Curry was not on the floor for Golden State. Now they have had three days off to rest up and consider the problems facing them — and to get some rest ahead of the home stretch of the regular season.
In the loss to Golden State, Philadelphia led by eight points going into the fourth quarter despite still missing Embiid and Simmons. The Warriors also did not have Draymond Green in the game. Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 24 points, and Al Horford posted a double-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Embiid (left shoulder sprain) missed his fifth straight game and remains questionable for the matchup with Detroit. You will want to check the latest injury reports before you commit to wagering on this game. Josh Richardson remains in the concussion protocol. Even with those players missing, the 76ers have the talent to take down the Pistons. If you like the 76ers, you think that a few days off and the chance to return to Wells Fargo Center will make the difference.
Pistons vs 76ers Final Score Prediction
I like what Shake Milton has contributed to the 76ers’ offense in the absence of Ben Simmons. However, the Philadelphia defense is not as tough without Embiid in the middle. While I see Philadelphia eking out this win, I’m not sure they win by 11 ½. I predict a final score of Philadelphia 117, Detroit 109.
