Washington Wizards vs Detroit Pistons Picks and Predictions November 17th 2024

The Detroit Pistons (-198) will travel to Washington to take on the Wizards (+165) at 6:00 ET. The Pistons (-4.5) are favored in this Eastern Conference matchup and will look to improve on their 6-8 record.

Washington (2-9) is currently on a 7-game losing streak and is 13th in the Eastern Conference. The over/under line for this game is 228.5.

Pistons vs. Wizards Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Detroit Pistons at Washington Wizards
• Where: Washington at Capital One Arena
• Date: Sunday, November 17th
• Betting Odds DET -4.5, DET -198 | WAS +165 O/U 228.5

The Pistons Can Win If…

The Pistons moved to 6-8 on the season with a 99-95 road win over the Raptors on Friday. Detroit, favored by 2.5 points, covered the spread, and the game’s total of 194 points fell well short of the 224.5 O/U line.

Detroit’s defense shined in the 4th quarter, holding Toronto to 17 points while scoring 26 of their own. A key 13-0 run earlier in the game helped the Pistons take control, as they extended their lead from 27-23 to 40-23.

The Pistons managed just 99 points in their win over the Raptors, shooting 41.1% from the field and hitting only 8 threes at a 21.1% clip. Malik Beasley led the way with 20 points, knocking down 4 threes at 44.4% efficiency.

Cade Cunningham added 15 points and 10 assists, despite shooting just 28.6% from the field and 22.2% from deep. Jaden Ivey contributed 14 points, while Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris chipped in with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

The Pistons’ defense was strong throughout the game, allowing just 95 points to the Raptors. They gave up 27 points in the 1st quarter but held Toronto to 17 points in the 4th to secure the win. Detroit limited the Raptors to 36% shooting from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Pistons held Toronto to 8 made threes on 25% shooting. Detroit also recorded 8 steals and 8 blocks. They sent the Raptors to the line 22 times, where they made 17 free throws.

• Although Detroit has a straight up record of 4-6 in their last ten road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 5-4-1. The team averaged 104 points per game in these games.
• In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Pistons have a straight up record of 5-5 and an ATS mark of 4-6.
• Over their last three games, the Pistons have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 2-0-1 vs. the spread.

The Wizards Can Win If…

The Wizards fell to 2-9 on the season after a 129-117 road loss to the Hawks on Friday. Washington entered the game as +9 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 246.5, just over the pre-game line of 241.5.

Washington started strong, leading 39-29 after the 1st quarter, but a 12-0 run by the Hawks turned the game. The Wizards struggled in the 2nd quarter, scoring only 11 points to Atlanta’s 30, and were down 94-75 going into the 4th. They outscored the Hawks 42-35 in the final period but couldn’t close the gap.

In their 129-117 loss to the Hawks, the Wizards shot just 40.6% from the field, though they connected on 15 threes at a 34.9% clip. Kyle Kuzma led the way with 24 points, including 14 in the opening quarter, while Jordan Poole added 22 points and 4 made threes.

Alexandre Sarr contributed 20 points, knocking down 3 threes at 75% efficiency, and added 11 points in the 4th quarter. Corey Kispert and Kyshawn George also made late contributions, scoring 8 points each in the final period.

Defensively, the Wizards struggled in the 3rd and 4th quarters, allowing 35 points in each, contributing to their 129-117 loss to the Hawks. Washington gave up 46% shooting from the field but did a decent job on the perimeter, holding Atlanta to 32% from three with 12 made threes.

The Wizards sent the Hawks to the line 30 times, where they converted 25 free throws. Washington grabbed 39 defensive rebounds but allowed 15 offensive boards. They also recorded 11 steals and 5 blocks in the game.

• Through their last ten home contests, the Wizards offense has averaged 113 points per game while allowing an average of 124. Washington posted an overall record of 2-8 while going 4-5-1 ATS.
• The last three games that Washington was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 1-2 while going 0-3 straight up.
• In their last five games, the Wizards have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 1-4 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Coming in as the underdogs at +4.5, we have the Wizards as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 228.5, and our model projects the Pistons and Wizards to reach a combined total of 278 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Wizards Look to Halt 7-Game Skid When Pistons Visit

The Washington Wizards are desperate to find their footing as they prepare to host the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. With a seven-game losing streak weighing heavily, the Wizards will aim to stop the slide against a Pistons team fresh off a hard-fought win in Toronto.

Pistons Building Momentum

The Detroit Pistons (5-8) are beginning to show signs of life. After falling to the Milwaukee Bucks in overtime on Wednesday, the Pistons rebounded with a 99-95 road victory against the Toronto Raptors on Friday. The win was a testament to Detroit’s growing cohesion and depth.

Cade Cunningham, who notched his sixth double-double of the season with 15 points and 10 assists, continues to be the Pistons’ anchor. His leadership was matched by contributions from key role players like Malik Beasley, who stepped up in the absence of Tim Hardaway Jr. (head injury) with 20 points, including four 3-pointers.

Detroit’s bench also made a significant impact, with Wendell Moore Jr. and Marcus Sasser providing crucial energy and defensive stability. Moore’s hustle and plus-18 rating were pivotal in the win, earning praise from Cunningham:

“His approach has been the same every day. He and Sasser brought the energy that won us the game.”

Detroit now seeks back-to-back wins for just the second time this season.

Wizards’ Struggles Continue

For the Washington Wizards (3-10), the season has been defined by missed opportunities and defensive lapses. Their most recent setback, a 129-117 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, extended their losing streak to seven games.

Despite the team’s struggles, Kyle Kuzma has remained a bright spot, leading the Wizards with 24 points and nine rebounds against Atlanta. However, inefficiency has been an issue—Kuzma shot 11-for-28 from the floor and just 2-for-11 from beyond the arc.

Rookie standout Alexandre Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has continued to impress. Sarr posted 20 points, four steals, and three blocks against the Hawks, showcasing his two-way potential in just his 13th NBA game.

Sarr’s confidence, even amid the team’s struggles, is a promising sign for the Wizards:

“It’s pretty funny to me,” Sarr said of playing in hostile environments. “I love the challenge.”

Key Matchups

• Cade Cunningham vs. Kyle Kuzma: As the leaders of their respective teams, both players will be counted on to set the tone. Cunningham’s playmaking and Kuzma’s scoring versatility could decide the outcome.
• Wendell Moore Jr. vs. Alexandre Sarr: Moore’s defensive energy and hustle will be tested against Sarr’s emerging offensive skillset.

What’s at Stake

For Detroit, a win would signal growing consistency and mark an important step in their development. For Washington, halting their skid is critical to restoring confidence in a season teetering on the brink.

Prediction: Pistons 102, Wizards 97.