Pistons vs. Lakers Predictions, Picks & Odds: NBA on NBC, 12/30

Heading into the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers were favored to win the Eastern Conference. Well, the Detroit Pistons have been the ones to replace them in that spot for most of the year, and they’ve got a featured matchup on NBC and Peacock against the Los Angeles Lakers. Therefore, we’ve got our best Pistons vs. Lakers predictions for tonight.

Along with our top Pistons vs. Lakers picks, you’ll also be able to take advantage of a guaranteed Novig Sportsbook promo code bonus! 

Pistons vs. Lakers Predictions for NBA on NBC, 12/30

Both of these teams were just in California on Sunday, taking on other CA teams. Detroit made it back-to-back losses with a 13-point loss to the other LA team - the Clippers. Meanwhile, the Lakers ended their three-game skid by smashing the Sacramento Kings by 24 points. So, who should we trust with our Pistons vs. Lakers predictions?

LA having Luka Doncic healthy is great news, but now Austin Reaves is banged up. Even still, after scoring 125 points and Detroit allowing 127, 131, and 112 points in their past three games, perhaps Reaves won’t even be needed. It’s also worth noting that with these being interconference opponents, we don’t get to see them matched up often.

In other words, this is still a much-improved Detroit squad than LA is used to. Along with this up-and-down JJ Redick-led squad, we’ve got plenty to consider to lock in a best bet from our Pistons vs. Lakers predictions.
 

Pistons vs. Lakers Best Bet: Over 229.5 Points (-119 at Novig)

Despite having plenty of big names in this matchup to target when it comes to player props, we’re going to keep things nice and simple by just targeting a standard market. We’ve already noted the Pistons' defensive struggles as of late, but we didn’t share who they’ve played in that three-game span.

Prior to the Clippers' loss, the 127 and 131-point games were allowed to the Utah Jazz and Kings, two of the worst teams in the entire NBA. So, what about the LA side of our Pistons vs. Lakers predictions? Well, they also recently played the Jazz game in which they allowed a whopping 135 points.

That was just one of the games that helped them accumulate the NBA’s third-best record for overs this season. That’s true even with them having quite a slow pace of play, and with Detroit having one that ranks the 10th-fastest in the league, that further suggests a higher-scoring game. 

Along with the market also overcorrecting a bit due to the absence of Austin Reaves, we see value with the total. Therefore, the best bet from our Pistons vs. Lakers predictions is over 229.5 points (-119 at Novig).
 

How To Watch Pistons vs. Lakers Tonight

This is the second game of tonight’s NBA on NBC doubleheader, and here is how to watch Pistons vs. Lakers tonight:

• Where: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA
• When: 10:30 PM ET on 12/30
• Watch on TV: NBC
• Where to stream: Peacock
   

Pistons vs. Lakers Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

The Pistons vs. Lakers odds for tonight at Novig Sportsbook are a great illustration of Detroit’s emergence this season and the up-and-down year for LA:

• Point Spread: Detroit Pistons -2.5 (+103) vs. Los Angeles Lakers +2.5 (-111)
• Money Line: Detroit Pistons (-126) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (+118)
• Game Total (Over/Under): Over 229.5 (-119) vs. Under 229.5 (+102)
   

Pistons vs. Lakers Injury Report & Latest News

We already noted the Austin Reaves injury, so we’ll start in LA with the latest Pistons vs. Lakers injury news. Gabe Vincent was ruled out for Sunday’s win, as was Jaxson Hayes, but neither is considered a long-term concern like Reaves.

As for Pistons vs. Lakers injuries in Detroit, Caris LeVert was unable to return in Sunday’s loss with a left knee issue. You can keep tabs on those guys and the rest of the entire league with our Fantasy Alarm NBA injury report!

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