Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons Picks and Predictions December 23rd 2024

Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons December 23rd 2024

At 10:30 ET, the 16-12 Lakers will host the 12-17 Pistons. Los Angeles is currently favored by 5.5 points and has won three straight games. The over/under line for this non-conference matchup is set at 224 points.

This game will be played at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and can be seen on SN-LA. The Lakers are currently 6th in the Western Conference, while the Pistons are 10th in the East. Detroit is a +187 underdog on the moneyline.

Pistons vs. Lakers Key Information

The Pistons improved to 12-17 on the season with a 133-125 win over the Suns on Saturday. Detroit, who entered the game as +5.5 point underdogs, not only won but covered the spread. The game’s total points of 258.5 easily exceeded the O/U line of 224.5.

A key 10-0 run early in the game helped the Pistons take control, as they jumped out to a 19-12 lead. Detroit built on that momentum with a 41-26 first quarter. Although the Suns fought back in the 2nd quarter, the Pistons regained control by outscoring Phoenix 39-35 in the 3rd and held on in the 4th, despite being outscored 31-30.

The Pistons put up 133 points in their win over the Suns, shooting 55.1% from the field. They were excellent from beyond the arc, hitting 19 threes at a 48.7% clip.

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Cade Cunningham led the way with 28 points and 13 assists, scoring 13 in the 4th quarter. Jaden Ivey added 20 points, knocking down 4 threes at 66.7%.

Despite giving up 125 points, the Pistons managed to secure a win over the Suns on Saturday. They allowed 26 points in the 1st quarter but struggled defensively in the 2nd and 3rd, giving up 33 and 35 points, respectively. The Suns shot 57% from the field.

Detroit also had trouble defending the three, with the Suns hitting 14 threes at a 48% clip. The Pistons sent Phoenix to the line 23 times, where they made 21 free throws. Defensively, the Pistons recorded 13 steals and 4 blocks.

The Lakers improved to 16-12 on the season with a 103-99 road win over the Kings on Saturday. Los Angeles entered the game as +4 point underdogs and covered the spread with the win.

Los Angeles took control early, leading 31-26 after the 1st quarter. Although Sacramento edged them 27-25 in the 2nd quarter, the Lakers regained momentum by winning the 3rd quarter 25-24 and entered the 4th with an 81-77 lead. Both teams scored 22 points in the final quarter. The game’s total of 202 points fell well short of the 227.5-point O/U line.

LeBron James led the Lakers to a 103-99 win over the Kings, finishing with 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, shooting 54.2% from the field. D’Angelo Russell added 20 points, hitting 3 threes at 42.9%, while Austin Reaves contributed 16 points.

The Lakers struggled from beyond the arc, making just 9 threes at 25.7%, and shooting 48.2% overall. LeBron scored 12 points in the 1st quarter and 11 in the 2nd, adding 7 more in the 4th.

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The Lakers’ defense was solid throughout the game, holding the Kings to 99 points on Saturday. They gave up 26 points in the 1st quarter and 27 in the 2nd, but tightened up in the 2nd half, allowing just 24 points in the 3rd and 22 in the 4th.

Los Angeles limited Sacramento to 43% shooting from the field, including just 27% from three-point range, where the Kings made 10 threes. The Lakers also sent the Kings to the free-throw line 14 times, where they made 11. Defensively, the Lakers recorded 10 steals and 6 blocks.

For a point-spread bet in this Pistons vs. Lakers matchup, we’re leaning towards the Pistons at +5.5. Although our projections show the Lakers winning 122-120, we suggest placing your bet on the Pistons for the point-spread.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 224 and our model has the Pistons and Lakers finishing with a combined 242 points. Our pick is to take the over.

Lakers Begin Home Stretch Against Pistons, Eyeing Fourth Straight Win

The Los Angeles Lakers, riding high on a three-game winning streak, return to Crypto.com Arena on Monday to face the Detroit Pistons as they embark on a home-heavy stretch of games. With 10 of their next 13 contests in Los Angeles, the Lakers look poised to solidify their position in the Western Conference standings.

Lakers Regaining Momentum

After enduring a 3-8 slump following a strong November run, the Lakers appear rejuvenated under head coach JJ Redick. Consecutive road victories against the Sacramento Kings have boosted team confidence. The Lakers’ Saturday win, a 103-99 grind, demonstrated their ability to close out tight games even as Anthony Davis struggled from the free-throw line late.

LeBron James continues to defy age, leading the team with a game-high 32 points on Saturday along with seven rebounds and six assists. As his 40th birthday approaches on Dec. 30, James looks as impactful as ever, contributing on both ends of the floor.

“I just wanted to seize the opportunity,” James said. “We had an opportunity to get two quality wins on the road … and I just tried to seize the opportunity and breathe energy into my teammates.”

D’Angelo Russell added 20 points off the bench, while Austin Reaves chipped in with 16. Anthony Davis pulled down 15 rebounds, anchoring the defense despite his late-game shooting struggles.

Pistons Seek Back-to-Back Wins

The Pistons arrive in Los Angeles following their highest-scoring game of the season, a 133-125 road victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. Cade Cunningham led the way with 28 points and 13 assists, while Jaden Ivey returned from a two-game absence due to a knee injury to contribute 20 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.

“I thought he was great,” Cunningham said of Ivey. “We missed that spark that he has. … He was everywhere.”

The Pistons’ offense was balanced, with seven players scoring in double figures. Detroit capitalized on 19 Suns turnovers, turning them into 34 points, a key factor in the victory. However, inconsistency has plagued the team, highlighted by a disappointing 126-119 loss to the struggling Utah Jazz just two days prior.

Detroit, now aiming for its first back-to-back wins since mid-November, will need its defense to step up against a Lakers team finding its rhythm at home.

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Key Matchup

LeBron James versus Cade Cunningham will be a marquee battle of generational talents. While James continues to dominate at 39, Cunningham is carving out a leadership role for Detroit, averaging 20.9 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game.

What to Watch

The Lakers’ deep roster, including D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, gives them a balanced attack that has been effective in recent games. Meanwhile, Detroit’s ability to force turnovers and capitalize on fast-break opportunities could be critical against a Lakers team that thrives in transition.

Outlook

With the Lakers riding a wave of momentum and returning to the comforts of home, they’ll aim to continue their winning streak against a Pistons team seeking consistency. A win for Los Angeles would reinforce their recovery after a midseason slump, while Detroit hopes to build off its high-energy performance in Phoenix.