Detroit Pistons vs Phoenix Suns Betting Pick & Prediction 12/21/24
The Detroit Pistons head to Phoenix to take on the Suns in a non-conference matchup. The game is set to tip-off at 9:00 ET and can be seen on AZFa.
Phoenix is currently favored by 6 points and has a record of 14-12. They are 9th in the Western Conference and 3rd in the Pacific Division. Detroit is 11th in the Eastern Conference and 5th in the Central Division. They come into this game with a record of 11-17.
DETROIT PISTONS VS PHOENIX SUNS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Detroit Pistons +6
This game will be played at Footprint Center at 9:00 ET on Saturday, December 21st.
WHY BET THE DETROIT PISTONS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 121-112 in favor of the Pistons.
- Our projections have Cade Cunningham finishing with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists.
- From the field, we have the Pistons finishing with a field goal percentage of 45.5% and knocking down 14 threes.
Taking a Look at the Pistons Chances on the Road
The Pistons fell to 11-17 on the season after a 126-119 home loss to the Jazz on Thursday. Detroit, favored by 4.5 points, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 245 exceeded the O/U line of 227.5 by 17.5 points.
Detroit’s slow start saw them down 48-19 after the 1st quarter. They responded with a 35-19 2nd quarter and went on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit from 32-15 to 32-25. Despite outscoring Utah 32-30 in the 3rd and 33-29 in the 4th, they couldn’t complete the comeback.
In the Pistons’ 126-119 loss to the Jazz, Cade Cunningham led the way with 33 points and 7 assists, shooting 56.5% from the field and hitting 3 threes at 37.5%. Malik Beasley contributed 26 points, knocking down 7 threes despite shooting just 34.6% overall.
As a team, Detroit made 13 threes, but shot just 27.7% from beyond the arc and 43.8% overall. Cunningham scored 11 points in the 4th quarter, while Beasley added 9 in both the 3rd and 4th quarters.
Defensively, the Pistons struggled out of the gate, allowing 48 points in the 1st quarter, but they tightened up in the 2nd, giving up just 19. However, they couldn’t maintain that level of play, allowing 30 points in the 3rd and 29 in the 4th, leading to a 126-119 loss to the Jazz.
Detroit had a tough time defending the perimeter, as the Jazz hit 20 threes at a 50% clip. Utah also went to the line 31 times, making 28 free throws. The Pistons gave up 15 offensive rebounds but did manage to record 10 steals and 8 blocks.
Can Phoenix Deliver Being Favored at Home?
The Suns fell to 14-12 on the season after a 120-111 loss to the Pacers on Thursday. Phoenix, favored by six points, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 231 points came in just under the 235.5-point line.
Indiana’s 14-0 run early in the game put Phoenix in a hole, but the Suns battled back to lead 59-60 at halftime. However, a rough 3rd quarter, where they were outscored 37-24, left them trailing 97-83 heading into the 4th. Despite outscoring the Pacers 28-23 in the final quarter, the Suns couldn’t complete the comeback.
Kevin Durant poured in 37 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the Suns’ 120-111 loss to the Pacers, shooting 55.6% from the field and hitting 3 threes at a 50% clip. Devin Booker added 17 points, with 12 of those coming in the opening quarter, while Bradley Beal contributed 16 points, shooting 66.7% from the floor and making 2 threes at 50%.
Durant was a force in the 4th quarter, scoring 16 points, and added 11 more in the 3rd. The Suns made just 9 threes as a team, shooting 30% from beyond the arc, while finishing with an overall field goal percentage of 48.8%.
The Suns gave up 120 points in their loss to the Pacers, with a tough 3rd quarter where they allowed 37 points. They did tighten up in the 4th, holding Indiana to 23 points. Phoenix allowed the Pacers to shoot 43% from the field.
From beyond the arc, the Suns allowed 16 threes on 39% shooting. Indiana also got to the line 31 times, making 26 free throws. Phoenix gave up 9 offensive rebounds while recording 6 steals and 4 blocks.