Detroit Pistons (5-40) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (27-16)
Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 1/31/24 – As the NBA season continues to unfold, the upcoming matchup between the struggling Detroit Pistons and the formidable Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse is drawing considerable attention from fans and bettors alike. The Pistons, with a dismal 5-40 record, face an uphill battle against the 27-16 Cavaliers. This game, airing at 7:00 PM ET on BSOH, offers a fascinating study in contrasts and a prime opportunity for free NBA picks and parlays.
The Detroit Pistons’ season has been beset with challenges, evidenced by their overall performance. Averaging 112.3 points per game on 47.1% field goal percentage with 10.9 three-pointers made at 35.2% clip is indicative of some sparks but lack of consistency from their offense, while their defense has struggled mightily to contain opponents; with 43.3 total rebounds per game and 5.9 steals produced but no wins being secured through them; additionally their 15 turnover rate per game poses as significant cause for alarm and easy points scored against them from opponents.
Contrarily, the Cleveland Cavaliers provide a more robust and balanced team. Averaging 114 points per game while shooting at an improved field goal percentage of 47.7%, they demonstrate efficiency and effectiveness on offense averaging 13.2 three-pointers at 35.9% success rate per game; on defense, they excel beyond the arc averaging 45.1 rebounds per game with 7.8 steals recorded as their low turnover rate (13.1) highlights disciplined play and ball control that has contributed greatly to their success this season.
Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 1/31/24 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse |
| TV: | BSOH |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Cade Cunningham (PG) vs. Donovan Mitchell (SG)
Cade Cunningham has taken on a leading role for the Pistons. He’s played in 37 games (all starts) while averaging 34.5 minutes per game. Cunningham is scoring 22.8 points per contest to go along with 4.1 rebounds and 7.4 assists. He’s also contributing 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks each game. However, turnovers have been an issue as evidenced by his 3.9 per game average. Efficiency could improve as he’s posting just a 1.9 assist to turnover ratio right now.
Facing off against Cunningham is Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland’s key offseason acquisition. Mitchell has starred in his first season with the Cavaliers, starting all 34 games he’s played in and seeing 35.6 minutes per game. He leads the team in scoring, putting up 27.7 points per contest on strong shooting numbers. Additionally, Mitchell contributes 5.5 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game. He has been an excellent complementary player next to All-Star Darius Garland. Mitchell also takes care of the basketball, averaging just 2.9 turnovers per game for a 2.2 assist to turnover rate.
This matchup pits two of the game’s best young guards against one another. Cunningham has the size to bother Mitchell defensively. However, Mitchell’s quickness and shot-making ability will test Detroit’s developing star. Their duel could determine which team gains an upper hand.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, but it’s likely that the Cavaliers will be the favorites given their superior record and overall team performance. Bettors should closely monitor the odds as they become available, looking for opportunities in point spreads and totals based on the teams’ offensive and defensive statistics.
Detroit Pistons Betting Trends
The Pistons are 1-4 in their last 5 games straight up. However, they have covered in 4 of their last 5 games against the spread. Detroit is 10-11 against the spread in their 24 road games this season. The totals have gone OVER in 2 of the Pistons’ last 5 matchups. Overall, 11 of Detroit’s last 24 games have exceeded the projected total.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Trends
The Cavaliers enter this game hot, having won 4 of their previous 5 contests straight up. Cleveland has also covered the spread in 4 of those last 5 outings. For the season, the Cavaliers are 11-8 against the spread on the road. The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Cleveland’s last 5 games. At home, 10 of the Cavaliers’ 23 games have gone OVER the posted total.
Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 1/31/24 Betting Picks
In evaluating this matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be the stronger team in almost every aspect. The Pistons’ struggles, particularly on defense, coupled with the Cavaliers’ balanced attack, suggest that Cleveland has the upper hand. However, Detroit’s recent performance against the spread cannot be ignored, indicating that they might perform better than expected.
When considering the better pick for this game, the Cavaliers’ overall superiority and the Pistons’ tendency to outperform spread expectations create a complex betting scenario. For outright winners, the Cavaliers seem like a safer bet, but the Pistons might be a smarter choice against the spread. In terms of prop bets and over/under, bettors should look at individual player performances, especially focusing on key players like Cunningham and Mitchell. The total points might trend towards the higher side, considering both teams’ offensive capabilities. As a sports top handicapper, weighing these factors is crucial in making informed betting decisions.
Free Pick and Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers 115, Detroit Pistons 105.