The Detroit Pistons (29-26) and San Antonio Spurs (24-29) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The game will broadcast live on NBA League Pass.
The Pistons are 4.5-point favorites over the Spurs on the spread (Pistons -4.5), with the over/under set at 235.5 total points. Detroit is a -180 favorite to win outright, while San Antonio is +150 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Pistons vs. Spurs predictions and NBA picks for Friday, February 21.
Pistons vs. Spurs Picks, Prediction
Spread
I'm not making any bets on the spread.
Moneyline
I'm not making any bets on the moneyline.
Over/Under
I'm also not making any bets on the total.
My Pick: Jalen Duren to Record a Double-Double (-140)
Pistons vs Spurs Odds
| Pistons Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -110 | 236.5 -110 / -110 | -180 |
| Spurs Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -110 | 236.5 -110 / -110 | +150 |
- Pistons vs. Spurs spread: Pistons -4.5
- Pistons vs. Spurs over/under: 236.5 total points
- Pistons vs. Spurs moneyline: Pistons -180, Spurs +150
- Pistons vs. Spurs best bet:Jalen Duren to Record a Double-Double
Pistons vs. Spurs Preview
NBA title winners in the early 2000s, Spurs and Pistons have been in the cellar over the last few years.
In 2023, the Pistons finished with the worst record in the NBA, giving them an excellent opportunity to draft a generational talent in Victor Wembanyama. Instead, they fell to No. 5 while the Spurs vaulted up to No.1, giving them the right to select Wembanyama. Now, led by recent No.1 picks Cade Cunningham and Wembanyama, both teams are ascending in their respective conferences.
Unfortunately, San Antonio's rise back to the playoffs may be delayed a year. Yesterday, it was announced that Wembanyama has a blood clot in his right shoulder and will miss the rest of the season. Last night, the Spurs rallied around the loss of their franchise player for a 120-109 victory over the Suns.
De'Aaron Fox led the way with 26 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Chris Paul (13 points and 10 assists) and Stephon Castle (10 points and 10 rebounds) each had double-doubles. Paul also had two steals and passed Jason Kidd for the second-most in NBA history.
Meanwhile, the Pistons got an extra day to enjoy their All-Star break. They enter tonight's game in sixth place in the Eastern Conference and two games ahead of Orlando. Cunningham earned his first All-Star selection, averaging 25.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per game. He is one of just seven players averaging 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game this season.
Ausar Thompson was the fifth pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and dealt with a blood clot himself last season. However, he has started emerging as a two-way threat, increasing his minutes. In February, he averages 14.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. He has recorded a steal in 12 consecutive games.
Thompson's jumper is still a work in progress, as he shoots 22% from three. However, he will benefit from Wembanyama's absence tonight, as will Cunningham and center Jalen Duren.
Pistons vs. Spurs Prediction
Since December 7th, the Pistons have been 19-11, and that run has coincided with consistent effort and defense from Duren. Over his last 30 games, he is averaging 12.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, shooting 70.1% from the field. He is also averaging a double-double for the season (10.8 points and 10.2 rebounds).
Duren has recorded a double-double in three of his last four and seven of his last 10 games. He also has had a double-double in two of three career games against the Spurs, including a game last season in which Wembanayama had zero blocks. Without the Frenchman to protect the paint or get him in foul trouble, I like Duren's chance of getting another double-double tonight.
On his way to 10 points, Duren will benefit from a few lobs from Cunningham. The Pistons' All-Star point guard has recorded 36 points and assists in seven of his last 10 games heading into the break. Meanwhile, Thompson has had 18 points + rebounds in six of his last seven games. In the lone miss, he still had 17 points + rebounds.
Lastly, on the second night of a back-to-back, I still like Fox to score 20 points. He has reached the 20-point plateau in seven of his last nine games and five of his last seven games against the Pistons.
Best Bet: Jalen Duren to Record a Double-Double (-140)
Same Game Parlay Picks
- Cade Cunningham Over 35.5 Points + Assists
- De'Aaron Fox 20+ Points
- Jalen Duren to Record A Double-Double
- Ausar Thompson Over 17.5 Points + Rebounds
Parlay Payout: +541
Spurs vs Pistons Betting Trends
