Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons Prediction: Moneyline, Props & SGP (Dec 30)
Calendar icon Updated 29 Dec 18:27

Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons Prediction: Moneyline, Props & SGP (Dec 30)

Alexander Yaremenko Alexander Yaremenko
Moneyline PickDetroit Pistons
Player PropCade Cunningham Over 8.5 Assists
Same Game Parlay (Bet Builder)Pistons ML + Cade Cunningham Over 24.5 Points + Jalen Duren 9+ Rebounds
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Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons Main Match Info

Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons Moneyline Prediction

Detroit, under J.B. Bickerstaff, have developed a league-leading defensive identity. While their scoring defence currently allows 112.9 points per game, their Defensive Rating of 110.7 remains the second-best in the NBA. 

They specialise in clamping the perimeter with Ausar Thompson and Cade Cunningham. The Lakers’ offence often stagnates when Luka Dončić is forced into high-usage isolation plays. 

Detroit have the length to switch everything, which should force Los Angeles into tough, contested mid-range shots. Furthermore, the Pistons’ frontcourt, led by Jalen Duren, is much more mobile than the Lakers’ ageing interior, likely leading to an advantage in transition points.

Los Angeles technically have the advantage with Luka and LeBron. However, Detroit’s Cade Cunningham has been one of the most efficient clutch players this season. While Luka can hit the “dagger” three, the Pistons’ collective discipline in the final two minutes has seen them win several close contests on the road this year.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons Player Prop

Detroit’s offence relies completely on Cade. 

The Lakers suffer from a specific positional weakness: they’ve struggled to contain elite playmaking guards all season. 

Since Los Angeles often start Luka and LeBron together, they lack a true point-of-attack defender who can stay in front of a shifty guard like Cunningham. This creates a scenario where Cade penetrates the paint and finds snipers like Duncan Robinson or Tobias Harris on the wing.

This game isn’t expected to turn into a slow-paced defensive battle. More possessions mean more opportunities for Cade to rack up dimes. 

Jalen Duren is an exceptional lob threat, currently ranking in the 94th percentile for scoring efficiency as a pick-and-roll screener. This makes him a top target for scoring opportunities. Given this, Cade’s playmaking output should be outstanding against the Lakers’ defence. 

Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons Same Game Parlay

Pistons ML: As discussed, they’re the more complete team with better defensive metrics.

Cade Cunningham Over 20.5 Points: If Detroit are to secure a road win at Crypto.com Arena, Cade must be the primary source of offence. The Lakers’ lack of a lockdown perimeter defender means he can exploit mismatches all night. He’s cleared this total in five of his last six road outings.

Jalen Duren 9+ Rebounds: Duren is a rebounding machine, averaging 10.9 boards per game. The Lakers are currently 25th in the league in offensive rebounding allowed. Duren should feast on the glass, providing the backbone for our parlay.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons Team News

Los Angeles Lakers Team News

The Lakers’ biggest headline is the health of their backcourt. Austin Reaves is officially out with a calf strain and isn’t expected back until February. This is a great blow to their secondary playmaking. Gabe Vincent is also sidelined with a recurring back issue, leaving the Lakers very thin at the guard position.

Luka Dončić remains the key figure, but he’s been carrying a heavy workload. He’s in incredible form, but there are visible signs of frustration with the team’s defensive rotations. 

LeBron James continues to defy age, but he’s shifted more into a playmaker role to let Luka cook. The Lakers’ recent losses have largely stemmed from poor bench production; when the starters sit, the lead evaporates. They need a big night from Rui Hachimura to stand a chance.

Detroit Pistons Team News

The team are relatively healthy compared to many others in the league. Apart from minor day-to-day issues involving Caris LeVert (knee soreness) and Jaden Ivey (who underwent a procedure earlier in the season), their core rotation remains mostly intact.

They’ve won eight of their last 10 games because they simply outwork opponents in the third and fourth quarters. Currently sitting first in the Eastern Conference and leading the Central Division, they’ve shown that their strong start wasn’t a coincidence.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons: Where to Watch (Canada) 

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