The Pistons are 4-6 over their last ten games, but their only wins were over the Raptors, Clippers, Wizards and, in their last game a 101-97 home win over the 76ers in which they trailed at the end of each of the first three quarters. This is a VERY tough spot for Detroit. The Pistons are 0-4 ATS (-8.6 ppg) THIS season off a win in which they trailed at the end of each of the first three quarters. Also qualifying here is the fact that Detroit is 0-4 ATS (-11.6 ppg) with at most one day of rest after a game at home in which they had an assist to turnover ratio of at least two.In their previous meeting the Pistons were mauled by the Cavs 99-78 in Cleveland. We expect a similar score here. Detroit’s character is exposed by the following trend: The Pistons are 0-6 ATS (-7.2 ppg) since January when facing a team they lost to on the road in their previous same-season match-up. More specifically, they are 0-4 ATS (-8.0 ppg) in 2009 when seeking revenge for a double-digit road loss. They lost every game straight up, despite being the favorite in each of the last three.The Cavs are on a ROLL and the Pistons will not be able to slow them down. Cleveland is 13-0-1 ATS at home, laying more than seven points when they won and covered their last two at home. Also, Cleveland is 11-0 ATS (9.5 ppg) since November after a double digit win in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line, 5-0 ATS (+11.8 ppg) at home when they allowed fewer than 90 points for two straight games and 11-0-1 ATS (March 2008 at home when they held their opponent to fewer than 85 points in their last game.The argument is being made by some that the Pistons are making a “playoff run,” but this is sheer fantasy. Cleveland’s fans HATE the Pistons and they will exhort their team to solid win. Lay the points.
MTi Sports 3-31-09
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