Philadelphia 76ers vs Detroit Pistons Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The Pistons want to cut off their losing streak at two in their second game of a three-game homestand.
• The Sixers were dealt a harsh blow as Tobias Harris is ruled out for 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19.
• The Sixers won their initial meeting with the Pistons this season 110-102.

76ers vs Pistons Odds

Odds taken from Caesars Sportsbook.

The Sixers may be undermanned against the Pistons, but with Joel Embiid they are never outgunned. The Pistons are energetic, but they own one of the least impressive defences in the league.

Picks:

Philadelphia 76ers def. Detroit Pistons (-275)

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Head-to-Head: Philadelphia 76ers vs Detroit Pistons

PHI: Control the Your Boards

The Sixers are, surprisingly, the worst rebounding team in the NBA at the moment. They’re missing some key pieces, but that won’t be an excuse when they take on an energetic Detroit Pistons side.

Philly are entering this game ranked dead last in the league in defensive rebounds per game at 33.3. While the Pistons offense isn’t versatile enough to give them too many problems, Detroit is a force on the offensive boards due to their length and energy.

Ninth in the league in offensive rebounds per game, the Pistons could cause trouble for Philadelphia if they leave rebounding duties to just one player. Gang rebounding from point guard to center will be the key if Philly doesn’t want to experience one of the early season’s biggest upsets.

Sixers Key Player: (C) Andre Drummond

oop, there it is. pic.twitter.com/AZNafYDaxd

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) November 2, 2021

It’s always exciting to see a player perform against their former team, however when Andre Drummond returns to Detroit he’ll be a much different player than he was when he wore the Pistons uniform.

Drummond is no longer the star player that he was once considered. Now a complete role player, Drummond’s talents are used to spell Embiid’s absence from the court. The former Piston is averaging just 6.7 points and 10.0 rebounds. But he’s still a force on the defensive end averaging 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in just 18.8 minutes per game.

The Pistons aren’t strong on the glass or in the paint, so this is a game where Drummond must excel. Embiid’s status is always up in the air, so Drummond must be a piece that Doc Rivers can rely on.

DET: Get Something Going from Three

The Detroit Pistons are obviously not one of the most talented teams in the NBA. Last season they showed some flashes of what is to come, but they’ve opened the season in very disappointing form.

The Pistons need to score to be able to keep up with the competition, but their three-point shooting has been dreadful. Last in the NBA in three-point shooting, despite ranking sixteenth in attempts, the Pistons need to manufacture better shots.

Once Cade Cunningham comes into form, he projects to be a very capable playmaker. Killian Hayes and Cory Joseph act as primary playmakers for now, but all eyes are on Jerami Grant to create the opportunities to provide open looks.

Pistons Key Player: (G-F) Cade Cunningham

? @CadeCunningham_ connecting with @JeramiGrant ?@BallySportsDET | #Pistons pic.twitter.com/qfAS1CyTO3

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) November 2, 2021

Coming off of injury to open your rookie season is difficult, even if you’re number one overall pick Cade Cunningham. While he’s only played two games, his contributions have been disappointing.

In his two appearances, Cunningham has averaged 4.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. What’s most worrying is the fact that he is shooting 13.6% from the field and is yet to hit a three-point field goal.

The match won’t be all on his shoulders, but Cunningham needs to make meaningful contributions if the Pistons want any chance at a victory.

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