NBA Odds, Betting Preview: Raptors vs. Pistons (Dec. 30)

In a compelling conclusion to the 2023 calendar, the Toronto Raptors are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Detroit Pistons in the heart of Motor City, following a challenging back-to-back scenario that saw them narrowly fall to the Boston Celtics the previous night. This game holds particular intrigue across the league due to the Pistons, currently tied for the longest losing streak in NBA history at 28 games, setting the stage for a potentially historic moment. Adding to the anticipation is the memory of their previous clash in November, where the Raptors delivered a masterful performance, setting a franchise record in assists and securing a dominant 142-113 victory.

Let’s look at the betting odds on both teams for this upcoming matchup.

Raptors vs. Pistons odds

Raptors Moneyline Odds	-205
Pistons Moneyline Odds	+170
Over/Under	230.5 points (over -110, under -110)
Spread	Raptors -5.5 (-110)
Time/Date	Dec. 30, 6:00 p.m. ET
TV	Broadcast: TSN3/4 Stream: NBA League Pass (How to watch the NBA in Canada?)

All odds courtesy of

About the Raptors (12-18 SU, 13-16-1 ATS, 15-15 o/u)

In a dramatic contest against the injury-plagued Celtics, the Raptors found themselves in a substantial 20-point deficit, showcasing resilience and determination in a breathtaking fourth-quarter rally that ultimately concluded in a narrow two-point loss. Noteworthy is the Celtics’ adversity, missing three key starters, including their superstar Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford.

Amidst the Raptors’ valiant effort, Scottie Barnes emerged as a shining beacon in Toronto’s performance, solidifying his case to become an All-star. Barnes orchestrated a remarkable double-double, scoring 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, one steal, and an impressive three blocks, including a career-high seven three-pointers. Scottie exhibited his prowess particularly in the second half, contributing 19 of his 30 points during the second half. Pascal Siakam also played a pivotal role, notching 27 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals on an efficient 55.6% shooting, with a substantial 16 points coming in the second quarter to keep the Raptors alive in the game. Jalen McDaniels became a catalyst in the thrilling comeback, pouring in all 13 of his points during the decisive fourth quarter. Despite the collective efforts of Barnes, Siakam, and McDaniels, their stellar performances fell just short of securing the victory for the Raptors, highlighting the challenges of overcoming a resilient Celtics squad even in the absence of key players.

Shifting the focus to their upcoming clash against the Pistons, the Raptors seem poised to exploit vulnerabilities in the Pistons’ defensive lineup. Notably, Detroit allows the second-highest points in the league to point guards. This sets the stage for Scottie to potentially capitalize on this defensive opening and continue his impressive run. Additionally, the Pistons concede the eighth-most points to shooting guards and the fifth-most points to centers, presenting a favourable scenario for sharpshooter Gary Trent Jr. and Jakob Poeltl, both of whom showcased their scoring prowess with 18 and 16 points, respectively, in their recent matchup. Furthermore, the Pistons’ defence permits the seventh-most points to small forwards, creating a promising opportunity for O.G. Anunoby to make an impact on the offensive end.

About the Pistons (2-29 SU, 11-19-1 ATS, 19-12 o/u)

In a remarkable turn of events, the Pistons, despite holding a commanding 19-point lead at halftime, succumbed to the Celtics who orchestrated an extraordinary comeback, forcing the game into overtime and ultimately securing the win. This heartbreaking defeat marks Detroit’s 28th consecutive loss, underscoring the challenging stretch they are enduring.

Amidst the relentless losing streak, one shining star for the Pistons has been the outstanding performance of Cade Cunningham. The former first-overall pick showcased his multifaceted skills, recording an impressive stat line of 31 points, six rebounds, nine assists, three steals, and two blocks on a stellar 54.5% shooting from the field. Despite Cunningham’s stellar contribution, the collective efforts of Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and Bojan Bogdanovic, each delivering a double-double performance, fell short of clinching the elusive victory. Ivey posted 22 points and secured 10 rebounds, Duren contributed 15 points and an impressive 14 rebounds, while Bogdanovic added 17 points alongside 12 rebounds. The trio’s commendable efforts highlight the resilience and determination within the Pistons’ lineup, even in the face of a heartbreaking loss.

As the Pistons prepare to face the Raptors, the Raptors present a defensive profile that falls in the middle of the league spectrum—neither elite nor subpar. However, a noteworthy challenge for the Pistons is the fact that the Raptors allow the fourth-fewest points to point guards in the entire league. This poses a potential hurdle for Cunningham, who, in the previous encounter, faced difficulty against the Raptors, scoring 18 points but also grappling with three turnovers on 41.2% shooting over 26 minutes of play. The Raptors’ proficiency in containing point guards suggests that Cunningham and the Pistons may encounter a formidable defensive test in their quest for a breakthrough win.

Injury Concerns

• Stewart (toe) is out for Saturday’s game versus the Raptors.
• Temple (ankle) is doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Pistons

Betting Trends

• The Pistons cleared the over in three of the last five games.
• In the two games they didn’t clear, the game total was 230 points.
• The Raptors cleared the over in four straight games.
• In the only game played this season, the total was 254 points.

Player Prop Trends

• Scottie grabbed over 8.5 rebounds in the last 5 out of 6 games. He is averaging 9.4 boards for the season.
• Dennis Schroder has recorded over 6.5 assists in the last 5 games. He is averaging 6.9 assists for the season.
• Cunningham grabbed over 4.5 rebounds in the last 4 out of 5 games. He is averaging 4.2 boards per game this season and grabbed 5 against Toronto in their last matchup. His line is at -120 to grab over 4.5 rebounds.

Wagers to Consider

• SGP: Detroit Pistons Moneyline; Cunningham over 25.5 Points; Cunningham over 12.5 Assists + Rebounds: +475. This is a stretch but a possible scenario where the Pistons break the losing streak with a Cunningham masterclass.
• Over 230.5 Total Points: -110. Both teams cleared this line by a wide margin in their last matchup and are expected to do it again with Detroit’s weak defence.
• The player prop market is relatively thin for this game at the time of publication but check back in closer to tipoff as we expect some expansion.