NBA Preview November 5 – Pistons and Pacers Renew Rivalry

NBA Preview November 5 – Pistons face toughest test against rival Pacers

Pacers swept season series last year 4-0 and out-scored Pistons by average of 20 points per game

Live Odds here – Las Vegas Sportsbooks

Line: Indiana Pacers -1.5 l Total 187

The Detroit Pistons ( 2-1 SU, 3-0 ATS ) host the Indiana Pacers ( 3-0 SU, 2-1  ATS) on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 as the two teams renew their rivalry.  Both teams are off to solid starts and the undefeated Pacers are expected to contend in the Eastern Conference again this season.  The Pistons are 2-0 at home with a pair of solid, double-digit wins over the Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics. Their impressive performance November 3^rd included holding the Celtics to 77 points on 41% shooting. Detroit’s lone loss came at Memphis in overtime, but the Pistons easily covered and we cashed a winner along with our Twitter followers @FairwayJay.

NBA: Most improved Pistons worthy bet as big ‘Dog tonight at Memphis http://t.co/HgI6dYEANE

— Fairway Jay (@FairwayJay) November 1, 2013

 

Detroit was projected to be one of the most improved teams in the NBA entering the 2013-14 season after finishing 29-53 last year.  The Pacers won the Central Division last year going 49-32 and making a deep playoff run to the Eastern Conference finals before losing in seven games to the NBA champion Miami Heat.  Early returns for the Pacers show them beating three lower-tier teams in Cleveland, New Orleans and Orlando. Defense is the Pacers calling card again this season and they have held all three of their opponents to 90 points or less.  The Pacers front line is powerful with center Roy Hibbert a dominating defensive presence and shot-blocker at 7-foot 2” surrounded by Paul George and David West. George is developing into one of the league’s top forwards and is off to a 25 ppg scoring start with over eight rebounds per game. West is a solid post player and defender in the mid-post. Solid guard play from George Hill remains, but he missed last game at Cleveland and is a game time decision vs. Detroit.  Lance Stephenson scored 22 points in his absence and he prides himself on defense, can defend multiple positions and is an excellent  rebounding guard. Stephenson may finally be realizing his enormous potential and the additions of forward Luis Scola and guard C.J. Watson give coach Frank Vogel more options and depth off the Pacers bench.  The Pacers trio of guards are strong perimeter defenders and will pressure the Pistons on the ball.

The Pistons are improved but still not up to the Pistons level, yet a big effort is expected in this division rivalry.  New coach Mo Cheeks is still getting comfortable with his players and rotations but does have more depth this season.   Extra practice recently with a focus on ball security, as the the Pistons have too many turnovers in the early going as players get accustomed to each other and Cheeks system.  The Pistons can now match-up inside and be more physical with the addition of forward Josh Smith to compliment big bodies Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond.   In three games, Indiana is only giving up 30 points per game in the paint – #1 in the NBA.  However, the Pistons are the #2 team in the NBA in points in the paint — scoring 55 per game.

The addition of Brandon Jennings at guard adds more scoring and athleticism to a deep backcourt of Rodney Stuckey, Will Bynum and veteran Chauncey Billups.  Brandon Jennings make his season debut last game and could start tonight.

The Pistons lost to the Pacers two times on this court last year and both games went under the total, 88-77 and 90-72. In the Pacers last four trips to Detroit, they have failed to score over 90 points against the Pistons. The under is 5-0 in the Pacers last five games vs. Eastern Conference opponents and the Pistons long history of strong defensive play is supported by a 21-7 under run vs. teams with a winning record. Detroit is stronger this season and will play with great passion and defensive intensity.  Look for less scoring than the linemaker projects.

FairwayJay cashed a Top Play winner Monday on the Timberwolves and has a pair of Top Plays available Tuesday. Get great value and insight from a winning handicapping and proven pro – FairwayJay has documented back-to-back 60% NBA seasons at the Sports Monitor on over 180 plays.

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