The Portland Trail Blazers visit the Detroit Pistons on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons, currently 9th in the Eastern Conference with a 17-18 record, aim to reach the .500 mark for the first time this season. The Trail Blazers, sitting at 12-22 and 13th in the Western Conference, hope to build momentum in the midst of a tough road trip.
Detroit has been on a roll, winning three straight and six of their last seven games, including a 119-105 victory over Minnesota. Portland, meanwhile, is coming off a morale-boosting 105-102 win against Milwaukee. Both teams will look to keep their positive runs going in this matchup.
Trail Blazers Preview – Searching for Consistency
Portland enters this game with a 12-22 record and a 4-14 mark on the road. Anfernee Simons has been a standout, leading the team in scoring over the past three games. He tallied 28 points and 8 assists in the win over Milwaukee. Deandre Ayton has also been key, contributing with his rebounding and inside presence.
The Trail Blazers have struggled in several key areas, including shooting efficiency and three-point percentage, where they rank near the bottom of the league. However, their rebounding against Milwaukee was a highlight, as they outrebounded the Bucks 55-43, a critical factor in their victory.
With injuries to key players like Jerami Grant and Matisse Thybulle, Portland has leaned on role players like Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe to step up. Their ability to maintain defensive intensity and capitalize on second-chance opportunities will be crucial against Detroit.
Pistons Preview – Building Momentum
Detroit has turned a corner after a difficult season last year. Cade Cunningham is the centerpiece, coming off a season-high 40-point performance with 9 assists against Minnesota. Cunningham’s leadership has powered the Pistons during their recent winning streak.
Even without Jaden Ivey, who is out with a fractured fibula, the Pistons have found contributions from other players. Rookie Ausar Thompson has excelled defensively, recording 10 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high six steals in his first start since replacing Ivey. Sixth man Malik Beasley has also been a consistent scoring threat, averaging 16.3 points per game.
Detroit’s defense has improved significantly, with Thompson’s presence making a noticeable difference. Combined with their efficient ball movement and a balanced scoring attack, the Pistons are well-positioned to extend their win streak at home.
Betting Prediction
Detroit is a 6.5-point favorite, with the total set at 225.5 points. The Pistons have momentum on their side and home-court advantage, making them a solid pick to cover the spread. Portland’s struggles on the road and inconsistent scoring make it hard to back them in this matchup.
With both teams trending positively in recent games, the over is worth considering, as Detroit has shown the ability to put up points and Portland’s defensive issues could lead to a high-scoring affair.
Pick: Detroit -6.5, Over 225.5
