The Los Angeles Lakers (28-26) play the Detroit Pistons (8-44) in the Crypto.Com Arena tonight. Although neither team is particularly good this year, Vegas disagrees. Naturally, two of the NBA”s biggest stars are game-time decisions tonight. But this hasn’t swayed the oddsmakers. The home team remains as double-digit favorites tonight!
However, even with a win, there are questions. This team has so much talent. But it too often looks disorganized and frankly lazy. Not just from the players (LeBron showing his greatness at nearly 40!) but instead the letdown keeps occurring from the top of this organization and trickles down to the court. Whether it’s by 30+ or 40+ points, the basketball royalty of old appears dead in the modern NBA. Do you see this Los Angeles Lakers team beating anyone by ten at this point of the season?
Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Los Angeles Lakers | -10.5 -110 |
O 243.5 -108 |
-500 |
| Detroit Pistons | +10.5 -110 |
U 243.5 -112 |
+380 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
Fixture: Detroit Pistons @ Los Angeles Lakers
Date And Time: February 13, 2024 @ 10:30 p.m. EST
Location: crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California
Key Stats
Los Angeles Lakers (Averages)
Points: 116.5
Points Allowed: 117.1
Field Goal Efficiency: 43.1/87.5 for 49.2%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.3/30.6 for 36.8%
Free Throw Efficiency: 19.1/24.6 for 77.3%
Rebounds: 8.3 Offensive, 34.4 Defensive, 42.7 Combined
Assists: 28.3
Steals: 7.9
Blocks: 5.6
Turnovers: 13.4
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 43.9/32.7 for 47.3%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 14.2/37.8 for 37.7%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 15.2/19.1 for 79.7%
Rebounds Against: 10.8 Offensive, 33.6 Defensive, 44.3 Combined
The Los Angeles Lakers cannot afford a loss tonight! A close win shouldn’t be considered enough either, but they’ll take it. They are facing a bad Detroit Pistons team tonight. Anthony Davis and LeBron James are game-time decisions. But unofficially, you know they’ll want to play tonight. Regardless of who takes the floor, it may become a dogfight. This team struggles to beat teams they should beat. They also struggle against teams with winning records. Since the bubble exertion, they haven’t looked the same.
LEBRON JAMES WITH A VICIOUS DUNK 🔨
LAKERS BENCH WAS LOVING IT 😂 pic.twitter.com/vf6RemoUi7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 6, 2024
However, they still have the King. If he plays, you’d like their chances to beat a bad Detroit squad. Furthermore, none of the prior statements are in any way shape, or form an indictment of James. He remains one of the best in the NBA. Unfortunately, systemic issues continue to plague his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Detroit Pistons
Points: 113.2
Points Allowed: 122.1
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.3/89.0 for 47.5%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.3/31.0 for 36.3%
Free Throw Efficiency: 17.4/22.3 for 78.0%
Rebounds: 11.1 Offensive, 32.4 Defensive, 43.5 Combined
Assists: 26.4
Steals: 5.8
Blocks: 4.9
Turnovers: 14.9
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 44.3/89.8 for 49.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 11.9/31.5 for 37.9%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 21.4/26.3 for 81.6%
Rebounds Against: 9.6 Offensive, 32.6 Defensive, 42.2 Combined
Cade Cunningham deserves a quality franchise. Although Detroit may end up turning things around, for now, that remains to be seen. Additionally, Jaden Ivey is averaging 26.4 PPG over the last ten days. However, it’s hard to see where other sources of offense will come from.
Big dunk for @CadeCunningham_
20 PTS | 10 AST | 6 RBS pic.twitter.com/tPDKPOVwR8
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) February 10, 2024
They are shorthanded, there remains little doubt about that. Additionally, if James and Davis perform some in-game heroics tonight, the evening will be a long outing against the Los Angeles Lakers for the Detroit Pistons. But the opponents from California are just as likely to play down to their competition. Regardless, finding consistency in this game becomes increasingly difficult.
Game Prediction
I do not see the Los Angeles Lakers beating anyone by 10 or more points. Regardless if they entered the NCAA March Madness tournament or not, I’d still pick against them in terms of the spread. However, it’s too risky to bet on Pistons MoneyLine. However, considering the total points scored today? But forget it! Instead, this feels like a classic game where the Lakers play poorly but manage to eke out a win at the end.
Therefore the smart play tonight is to take the points with the Pistons. But under no circumstances, and this cannot be stressed enough, touch the total. This game can play out with the home team feeling inspired, but it could also devolve into a mid-80s battle. Again, stay away from the point total!
Final Pick
Detroit Pistons +10.5 To Cover Against the Los Angeles Lakers
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! For more great content, check us out on X @TotalApexSports. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Make sure you follow us on NewsBreak as well.
