Not only are LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers nowhere near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, they are also a rock bottom overlay as one of the worst online wagering values in any sport. The Detroit Pistons are a couple of games out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Head coach Stan Van Gundy has the Pistons playing with a strong emphasis on defense to compensate for the lack of a marquee scorer.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons
Date and Time: Tuesday, January 30, 2018, 8 p.m. Eastern
Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG: Cleveland -2, O/U 218.5
Cavaliers vs. Pistons TV Coverage: TNT
Cavaliers
There are few online wagering commodities performing more poorly than the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite a straight up record of 29-19 the Cavs have brought home the money in just 14 out of 48 games. On the road the Cavs have paid out in just nine out of 24 games. The under has hit in 13 out of 24 Cleveland away games. Perhaps the Cavaliers have reached rock bottom and are starting a recovery.
Cleveland has paid out in their last two games and is coming off a 121-104 home win over the Pistons. The last four Cleveland games have failed to stay under the total. Before the two game payout streak the Cavs had failed to cover their previous eight games. James leads the Cavs with 26.8 points and 8.8 assists per game. Simply outscoring opponents has been Cleveland’s path to success. An offense that ranks fifth in the NBA has covered for a defense that ranks a poor 26th in the Association.
Pistons
Speaking of a drop in betting value the Pistons have brought home the cash in just one out of their last eight games. The over has hit in five out of last eight games for Detroit. Home court advantage has not been factor for the Pistons as evidenced by their mark of just ten payouts in 23 games at Little Caesars Arena. Defense has been the key to Detroit’s ability to stay competitive. Detroit ranks seventh in the NBA for defense but that is offset by a ranking of 24th for offense.
Team vs. Team
The Pistons have come away with the money in six out of their last 11 games with the Cavs. Just one out of the last eight meetings between Detroit and Cleveland have gone over the total. The homestanding Pistons have held a strong sportsbook advantage at home against the Cavaliers. When in the Motor City the Pistons have grabbed the cash in four out of their last five meetings with the Cavs. The last five meetings in Detroit between the Cavaliers and Pistons have failed to go over the total.
Matchup to Watch
Detroit has the potential to bring a lot more online wagering than the Cavs. Cleveland is a consistent overlay that has also struggled in Detroit. Look for the Pistons defense to control the game and frustrate the Cavs.
Cavaliers vs. Pistons NBA games Betting Odds Picks
This one goes to the defensively oriented and revenge minded Pistons. It is also a pick against the Cavs and their terrible betting value.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Detroit Pistons and under the total.
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Pistons 100, Cavaliers 94