NBA Expert Picks and Best Bets | November 17

Is tonight the night? The Pistons try to stop their nine-game losing streak in Cleveland, while the Sixers take on the Hawks in the NBA’s In-Season Tournament. Of course, there’s plenty of chatter out in LA before the Lakers take on the young Trail Blazers. We’ve got all your best bets for a fun Friday night of NBA action.

Pistons +8.5 | (-110) at FanDuel

Yes,  Michigan sports betting fans know that the Pistons haven’t played well and have lost a current NBA high nine games in a row, but have been solid against the spread. Detroit is 5-7 against the spread this year entering Friday’s game with Cleveland.

During this  recent losing streak, Detroit has lost nine games by 9.1 points. The Pistons have been hurt by injuries and won’t have Jalen Duren for this one, but Cade Cunningham continues to play well.

The Cavs are back home after a nine-game road swing. Cleveland is 5-6, and 4-7 against the spread. They’ve beaten Detroit five times in a row and covered three out of the last four of those games.

Not this time. Cavs star Donovan Mitchell is questionable for this one and I think the Pistons keep this one close, they probably don’t win, but the points from  FanDuel are a good take.

Sixers +1.5 | (-110) at DraftKings

Philly has lost two in a row and star big man Joel Embiid is questionable with hip soreness, but he did play Wednesday night in a loss to the Celtics.

Since trading away James Harden, Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey has taken over. He had 50 points the other night against Indiana and is averaging 27.6 this season.

Atlanta is coming off a loss to the Knicks on a late bucket. They go as their guard combo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray go.

I’ve also seen this spread at other Michigan sportsbooks without the half point. Philly has won the last three meetings and covered in two of them. Give me Philly.

Trail Blazers +7.5 | (-110) at BetMGM

The Lakers are such a soap opera that it gets tiresome at times. Now, the “controversy” is about the play of oft-injured big man Anthony Davis. Davis hasn’t been sharp while dealing with a hip injury.

You know what though, the Lakers know they can just coast through the regular season as long as they are really healthy for the playoffs. LA is 6-6, but just 4-8 against the spread.

Young Portland was an early season surprise, but have now lost five in a row and rookie Scoot Henderson is on the shelf with an injury.

LeBron is listed as questionable (again) but you know he will play. That’s what he does. But the Trail Blazers will be hyped and will cover the BetMGM spread.