The Toronto Raptors may not be winning a lot of games this season, but at the very least, this is an entertaining young team that looks like it is growing.
That’s because they’ve bought into the offensive system of head coach Darko Rajakovic. This high-tempo, ball-moving offense has helped RJ Barrett flourish, and my Pistons vs. Raptors predictions break down why that will continue tonight.
Here are my NBA picks for the Eastern Conference matchup on Friday, November 15.
Raptors vs Pistons prediction
My Raptors pick
RJ Barrett Over 21.5 Points (-120 at PointsBet Canada)
My analysis
The Toronto Raptors head into this matchup against the Detroit Pistons with a 2-10 record, but it hasn’t been all doom and gloom for this young roster.
The Raptors are flying around on offense and it is keeping them in basketball games. Darko Rajakovic’s system is predicated on running and moving the ball, and the Raptors are buying in.
Toronto enters this game ranked 11th in pace, third in assist rate, and fourth in field goal attempts per game. As a result, the Raps are averaging a respectable 112.8 points per game.
Two players who have thrived in this system have been sophomore Gradey Dick and RJ Barrett, with the latter averaging 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while playing 33 minutes a game. Although Barrett ended the Raptors road trip on a bit of a slump shooting just 31.8%, I like him to get back on track tonight against the Detroit Pistons.
Detroit has seen its defense waver over the last week or so, surrendering 121+ points three times over the last four games. The Pistons are also banged up when it comes to guarding 'Maple Mamba', as Jaden Ivey, Simone Fontecchio, and Tim Hardaway Jr. are all questionable to play tonight.
The Raptors are set to play their first home game since November 2, and that boost will help Barrett bounce back offensively.
Raptors vs Pistons same-game parlay
RJ Barrett Over 21.5 points
Jalen Duren 10+ points
Davion Mitchell 8+ assists
Get ready for an interesting matchup down low, as Jakob Poeltl is set to match up against Pistons center Jalen Duren.
While Poeltl is a solid rebounder, quality bigs have been able to put up some good numbers against the Raptors starter. Toronto allows the fifth-most points in the paint per game this season and Duren has hit double digits five times.
Meanwhile, I also like Davion Mitchell to continue to be a primary playmaker for the Raptors with Immanuel Quickley still out. Mitchell is averaging 7.4 assists per game over his last eight games as a starter for the Raptors, and the former lottery pick has racked up 8+ assists in four of his last eight starts.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Raptors vs Pistons odds
Raptors vs Pistons live odds
Raptors vs Pistons opening odds
- Spread: Toronto -2.5 | Detroit +2.5
- Moneyline: Toronto -220 | Detroit +180
- Over/Under: Over 231| Under 231
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Canada
Raptors vs Pistons spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Raptors actually opened this Eastern Conference matchup as 2.5-point favorites but the line has since jumped the fence and now it's the Pistons who are slight favorites.
- The Raptors ATS run has cooled off a bit, going 1-3 ATS in their last four games. The Pistons have seen notable improvement this season, prevailing in five of their last nine games and going 6-3-1 ATS over their last 10.
- The total hit the board at 231 and the Under has been hammered, dropping the line by a touchdown and now sitting at 224.5 as of Friday afternoon.
- This feels like an overreaction to the recent slump Toronto is going through. The Raptors' high tempo and third-worst defensive rating have made them a great Over bet, particularly at home. At this new number, I would lean Over.
Raptors vs Pistons trend
Toronto has cashed the Over in all five home games this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Pistons.
How to watch Raptors vs Pistons
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Friday, 11-15-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SN1 |
Raptors vs Pistons latest injuries
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