The Detroit Pistons return home to face off against the Toronto Raptors after a tough defeat on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pistons showed some valiant fight despite playing with a depleted lineup. But a solid second half wasn’t enough to hold off the reigning champions, who caught fire in overtime to seal a 114-110 win. The Pistons now have another chance to redeem themselves in this one.
This is Detroit’s last back-to-back set of the season. They have an 11-2 record in such situations. The Pistons look to bounce back against a familiar foe in Toronto. It’ll be their 112th meeting all-time, with the Pistons holding the upper hand historically with a 67-44 record. The rivalry has been neck-and-neck this season, with the series tied at 1-1.
The Pistons won the first matchup 113-95 on Feb.11 behind Cade Cunningham’s 28 points. Toronto got their revenge on Mar.15 with a 119-108 victory, with Brandon Ingram leading the team with 34 points. Tuesday night’s showdown will break the deadlock and show who truly owns this series.
Toronto Raptors vs Detroit Pistons Odds
Moneyline: Raptors (+120) vs Pistons (-145)
Spread: Raptors +2.5 (-113) vs Pistons -2.5 (-106)
Total (O/U): Raptors o219.5 (-110) vs Pistons u219.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Toronto Raptors vs Detroit Pistons Preview
The Raptors have won six of their past 10 games to hold on to the fifth spot in the East. They are 4.5 games behind the fourth-place Cleveland Cavaliers, who don’t look like slowing down anytime soon. This could see Toronto begin the postseason on the road.
Toronto is coming off a lopsided 139-87 win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday. Eight players scored in double figures, with RJ Barrett leading the team with 24 points and Scottie Barnes adding 23.
The Pistons are 4.0 games ahead of the second-place Boston Celtics for the top spot in the East. But with an injury to star guard Cade Cunningham, others have stepped up to fill the void, and they will want to continue holding the top spot and finish the regular season strong.
They missed four starters in Monday’s loss to the Thunder. Paul Reed led the team in scoring with 21 points, Javonte Green added 19 and Kevin Huerter chipped in with 17 points.
Toronto Raptors vs Detroit Pistons Injury Reports
Toronto Raptors Injury Report
The Toronto Raptors have a few concerns over Collin Murray-Boyles (back), Brandon Ingram (heel) and RJ Barrett (shoulder). All three are listed day-to-day and are expected to go through late tests before tipoff. Meanwhile, Jamison Battle (personal), Immanuel Quickley (foot) and Chucky Hepburn (knee) will sit out this clash.
Detroit Pistons Injury Report
Duncan Robinson (hip), Jalen Duren (knee) and Tobias Harris (hip) were late scratches in last night’s clash. One would think this was precautionary to avoid any further injury in a high-stakes matchup, and all three could return to the lineup for the second leg of the back-to-back. However, Isaiah Stewart (calf) and Cade Cunningham (chest) are guaranteed absentees.
Toronto Raptors vs Detroit Pistons Starting Lineups
Raptors
PG: Jamal Shead | SG: Ja’Kobe Walter | SF: RJ Barrett | PF: Scottie Barnes | C: Jakob Poeltl
Pistons
PG: Daniss Jenkins | SG: Duncan Robinson | SF: Ausar Thompson | PF: Tobias Harris | C: Jalen Duren
Toronto Raptors vs Detroit Pistons Prediction
The Raptors will come in with a lot of momentum, but they’ll be going up against the best team in the East this season, with the Detroit Pistons holding a 28–9 home record that will be tough to crack. It should be an exciting game, but bettors expect a relatively close contest, with the Pistons listed as 2.5-point favorites, while the total is set just under 219.5 points.
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