Toronto Raptors Vs. Detroit Pistons: Predictions, Starting Lineups (12/30/23)
The Detroit Pistons aim to eradicate their 28-game losing streak on Saturday night at home against Toronto. Check out the Toronto Raptors vs. Detroit Pistons predictions, betting picks, and analysis for this Eastern Conference matchup below!
Toronto Raptors Vs. Detroit Pistons Prediction
The Detroit Pistons have already recorded the most consecutive losses in a single season but have also officially tied the NBA record for most consecutive losses (28), regardless of whether it was in the same season or not (i.e., losing streak from the end of one season carrying into the next one.)
It appeared as though the Pistons might be able to snap their abysmal losing streak in their last game against the Boston Celtics when they jumped out to an early 19-point lead and carried that into halftime.
Unfortunately, the Pistons blew the lead and ended up losing in overtime to Boston, the best team in the NBA. It was a typical Detroit collapse, which has been so common throughout this season.
Can Detroit somehow overcome its horrendous losing streak, or will it drop a winnable game to the underwhelming Raptors in what will become the longest consecutive winning streak in NBA history?
This game is the best shot that Detroit has at ending its losing streak. The Raptors are 12-19 and only ranked ahead of the Pistons, Hornets, and Wizards in the Eastern Conference. Oof.
There are a few issues with backing Toronto in this matchup. First, the Raptors can’t exploit any of Detroit’s weaknesses because they struggle in those areas, too. For instance, the Pistons rank dead-last in three-point rate, 28th in 3P% (33.4%), and 29th in 3PAs; however, Toronto is 27th in 3P% (34.3%) yet still shoots a handful more per game than Detroit. At least the Pistons know they are weak in that area and operate accordingly.
Lastly, Toronto just traded O.G. Anunoby for R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, which is a terrific return for its organization. Unfortunately, Barrett and Quickley will not be available to play in today’s game, and Anunoby is on his way to New York, so the Raptors will be shorthanded for this game against the Pistons.
Between Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit should have enough talent on the floor to stay close and, possibly, grab a streak-breaking win in front of its home crowd.
Toronto Raptors Vs. Detroit Pistons Prediction: Pistons +3.5 (-110)
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Toronto Raptors Vs. Detroit Pistons Best Odds
Despite an unfavorable start to the 2023-24 regular season, the Toronto Raptors are 3.5-point road favorites against the struggling Pistons. Detroit has Moneyline odds of +150 to end the longest losing streak in NBA history, while the Raptors are -162 to extend the Pistons’ losing streak even longer. The Over/Under for this bout is at 231 points, with -110 odds for the Over and the Under.
Toronto Raptors Starting Lineup
PG: Dennis Schroder
SG: Gary Trent Jr.
SF: Scottie Barnes
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Jakob Poeltl
Detroit Pistons Starting Lineup
PG: Cade Cunningham
SG: Jaden Ivey
SF: Bojan Bogdanovic
PF: Kevin Knox II
C: Jalen Duren
Toronto Raptors Vs. Detroit Pistons Injuries
The Toronto Raptors have a fairly clean injury report, with just two players listed on it: Christian Koloko and Garrett Temple. Temple will miss this game due to an ankle injury, while Koloko is out due to an illness. Meanwhile, Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart will not suit up after he sustained a toe injury recently. Additionally, Monte Morris is still not quite healthy after injuring his quad in late November.
