The Brooklyn Nets (15-47) and Detroit Pistons (45-16) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. ET from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The game will broadcast live on YES.
The Pistons are 14.5-point favorites over the Nets on the spread (Pistons -14.5), with the over/under set at 214.5 total points. Detroit is a -1000 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Brooklyn is +625 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Nets vs. Pistons predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, March 7.
Nets vs Pistons Prediction, Picks
- Nets vs Pistons pick: Pistons -14.5 (-110)
My Pistons vs Nets best bet is on Detroit to cover the spread. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Nets vs Pistons Odds
| Nets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+14.5 -110 | 214.5 -115o / -105u | +625 |
| Pistons Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-14.5 -110 | 214.5 -115o / -105u | -1000 |
Nets vs Pistons NBA Preview
The Pistons just went through one of their toughest stretches of the season coming ou with a 8-3 record, largely without their top rim protector in Isaiah Stewart.
However, consecutive losses to the Cavaliers and Spurs at the end of that stretch have some questioning their legitimacy as the No. 1 seed.
While their lack of shooting may pose problems at some point this spring, it has not been an issue against the Nets.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn can be a feisty opponent with Jordi Fernandez's coaching acumen, although he currently does not have a lot of tools at his disposal.
The team heads to Detroit on a 10-game losing streak, with just one cover in that span. Six of those losses have been by 16 points or more.
As a result of their losing streak, the Nets have the third-worst record in the league, which means they would pick no lower than seventh in this loaded NBA Draft. They are 1.5 games better than the Kings, who hold the worst-record entering today's action.
Facing Detroit in two of their next three games, the Pistons may just oblige as the Nets continue to plummet to the bottom.
Before the next matchup, the Pistons will be in Miami on Sunday for what should be a battle with the Heat. That means Detroit has an incentive to put this game away early to give its starters some rest.
Nets vs Pistons Predictions, Betting Analysis
Pistons -14.5
The Pistons have won six of the last eight meetings against the Nets and covered in all eight games.
They have won the last five by 14 points or more, taking the first two matchups this season with scores of 125-107 in Brooklyn and 130-77 in Detroit.
In the last one, the Pistons were 14-point favorites just like they are tonight.
Cade Cunningham Under 26.5 Points
When the Pistons are successful offensively, Cade Cunningham has a lot to do with it.
Despite a roster largely devoid of three-point shooting or a secondary creator, the Pistons have a 120.5 offensive rating with Cunningham on the floor and a 111.3 offensive rating when he sits.
It is one of the reasons Cunningham is on the shortlist of MVP candidates this season.
However, Cunningham has averaged 21.8 points over his past seven games, scoring 27 points or less in five of them.
Additionally, in the Pistons' five consecutive double-digit victories over the Nets, Cunningham has scored 20 points or more just once. The Nets allow the second-fewest points to point guards.
Instead, Cunningham has nine assists in each of the last three meetings, with 10 and 12 assists in the last two.
He is questionable tonight with a left quadriceps contusion. Should he play, and with the Pistons having a game tomorrow, head coach JB Bickerstaff will want to get his star out early.
Jalen Duren 20+ Points
Two of the Pistons' last three losses have come at the hands of the Spurs.
In the first meeting, Jalen Duren won the battle with Victor Wembanyama statistically, as he had 25 points and 14 rebounds. However, in San Antonio, foul trouble got him early, and he was limited to 12 minutes due to five fouls.
I expect a better outing from him tonight, considering his recent form.
In five of his last six games, Duren has had 25 points and 13 rebounds. He has a double-double in seven of his last 10 games while averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds.
He has also scored 18 points or more in each of his last three games against the Nets, with 30 and 21 in two games against Brooklyn this season.
The Nets are 23rd in points allowed to centers this season. They have allowed a center (Nikola Vucevic, Jarrett Allen and Bam Adebayo) to score 20 points in each of their last four games.
If Cunningham is more of a passer tonight, expect his buddy Duren to be on the receiving end of his assists.
Nets vs Pistons Best Bet
- Pistons -14.5 (-110, BetMGM)
Nets vs Pistons Parlay Picks
- Pistons -14.5
- Cade Cunningham Under 26.5 Points
- Jalen Duren 20+ Points
Parlay Odds: +425 via BetMGM
Spread
My Nets vs. Pistons betting prediction is on Detroit to cover the spread (-14.5).
Moneyline
I have no play on the moneyline.
Over/Under
I'm not interested in the total for this game.
