Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Detroit Pistons: Predictions, Starting Lineups (11/29/23)
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This Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons prediction, picks, and matchup preview features updated betting odds, each team’s starting lineups, and an analysis of what we can expect in this game.
Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Detroit Pistons Prediction
After a 44-point loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Los Angeles Lakers are in desperate need of a bounce-back win to shake off the blowout. The Lakers are 10-8 and in seventh place in the Western Conference; they are merely 1.5 games back of third place.
Meanwhile, Detroit has dropped 14 consecutive games by an average margin of 12 points; the Pistons have allowed opponents to shoot 49% from the floor and 37% from deep. Further, they are fouling at an absurdly high rate, committing over 23 fouls per game in that span and, thus, giving opposing teams free points at the line. Detroit even lost its most recent bout at home against the Washington Wizards, arguably the second-worst team in the league. That speaks volumes about the state of this team and organization.
The problem with this matchup for Detroit is that it can’t exploit the Lakers’ biggest weakness: three-point shooting. The teams that can beat L.A. consistently are the ones that can shoot from the perimeter, and the Pistons don’t fit in that category (25th in 3P% and 30th in 3PA.) As a matter of fact, Orlando is the only team that has beaten the Lakers this year while ranking in the bottom ten in the NBA in 3P%. Needless to say, Orlando is an exponentially better team than Detroit.
The Pistons’ horrendous three-point shooting, combined with allowing opponents to shoot just shy of 37% from deep, puts them in a hole before the game even starts. Los Angeles can stick Anthony Davis in the interior, especially since he will guard Jalen Duren, who hardly shoots from outside the paint, and rely on his rim-protecting ability to contest drivers.
Additionally, the Lakers will not feel stressed about fighting over the top of screens to deter three-point shooters. Frankly, they can even switch most screens due to the room they can give Detroit’s ball-handlers.
Ultimately, the Lakers are in a great spot here to cover. They get a sparring partner to beat up on to feel better after the knockout they suffered last game against Philly.
Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Detroit Pistons Prediction: Lakers -7
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Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Detroit Pistons Best Odds
Los Angeles is a seven-point road favorite against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. Detroit has Moneyline odds of +240, while the Lakers’ Moneyline odds are -298. The point total for this matchup is hanging around 229 points leading up to tip-off.
Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup
PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Max Christie
SF: Taurean Prince
PF: LeBron James
C: Anthony Davis
Detroit Pistons Starting Lineup
PG: Cade Cunningham
SG: Jaden Ivey
SF: Ausar Thompson
PF: Isaiah Stewart
C: Jalen Duren
Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Detroit Pistons Injuries
A tough start to the season will be made tougher for Detroit, as it will continue to miss Bojan Bogdanovic (calf), Joe Harris (shoulder), and Monte Morris (quad.) Meanwhile, the Lakers won’t have Rui Hachimura (nasal fracture), Jarred Vanderbilt (heel), or Gabe Vincent (knee), while LeBron James is a game-time decision with a minor calf injury. Anthony Davis and Cam Reddish should be good to go, as they are probable for this game.
Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Detroit Pistons Key Matchups
The key matchup for this game, between a floundering Pistons squad and a volatile Lakers team, is Anthony Davis versus Jalen Duren.
Anthony Davis vs. Jalen Duren
Anthony Davis’ roller coaster season continues on Wednesday when he matches up with Jalen Duren. Duren has improved on what was an impressive rookie campaign last season; he is averaging 12.6 points and 11.2 rebounds on just shy of 61% shooting from the field. Unfortunately, he has already battled nagging injuries and is playing for an entirely non-competitive Pistons squad.
Meanwhile, AD has had some brilliant moments this year, but inconsistency has resulted in him posting roughly 22 points and 12 rebounds per outing. Those aren’t bad numbers, but he has proven to be better than that.
Predicting Davis’ output on a game-by-game basis has been a true coinflip, but one thing that has remained steady throughout has been his defense; he records close to four “stocks” per game, which is towards the top of the league as far as basic defensive statistics are concerned.
While Davis will have a bit of a challenge matching Duren’s physicality, he still has been playing elite interior defense. For this bout, he gets a slight advantage. Slight Advantage: AD.
