Simulation Picks
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks
Understanding Public and Money
Expert Picks
The Pistons have won the last two games to erase a 3-1 deficit the Magic had and force a Game 7 today. The Magic's Game 6 collapse will spill over into today's game as well. It was one of the more memorable playoff collapses, where they shot 35% and only 25% from three on 36 attempts. They were trying to score, but it wasn't happening as they only scored 19 points in the second half. The Pistons shot only 40% and won the game by 14. Detroit's at home, they've been the best team in the East all year, and this is their moment to prove themselves. Pistons to cover.

The Pistons were down 3-1 in this series before Cade Cunningham decided to put the team on his back. He’s scored 45 and 32 points the last two games, both Detroit wins. Orlando was allowing the most points in the NBA to the PG position before the series began and nothing’s changed.

DraftKings. Maybe the only player on the Magic who performed above expectations in Game 6 was Tristan da Silva. The forward provided a bit of a spark off the bench with 10 points and 6 boards in a series-high 23 minutes. Da Silva was actually a starter for the Magic without Franz Wagner for most of the season, only being replaced in the playoffs by Jamal Cain. With the Magic struggling mightily to score, I see them turning more to da Silva, and potentially away from Cain. This bet is a bit variable, because it comes down to a role player’s minutes projection in a game 7, but in 18-22 minutes, I have da Silva closer to 11 combined points plus rebounds.

FanDuel. Last offseason, Duncan Robinson was brought to this Pistons team to space the floor with his elite three point shooting. In this series, he’s matched his regular season average of 41% from downtown, while clearing this line in 5/6 games, on seven attempts per contest. The volume is similar to his regular season output, in comparable minutes - but the kicker for Game 7 is that I expect more playing time for the sharpshooter. The Pistons shortened their rotations in Game 6, as they’ve received minimal bench contributions in this series, especially on the wing. And despite the Magic’s stout regular season numbers against catch and shoot oppportunities, Robinson is still averaging 5.2 open looks per game. I love the value at plus odds.

Tobias Harris came into Game 6 with an ankle injury. It didn’t seem to limit him as he finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds. That was his fourth straight game with at least 20 points. Jalen Duren has disappeared in this series, which has left Harris to average 35 minutes and 17.2 shot attempts per game. There should be no shortage of minutes and shot attempts for him in this crucial Game 7, so take this over.

Ausar Thompson has grabbed at least eight rebounds in five of the six games in this series. The one time he didn’t, he finished with seven boards over just 25 minutes in Game 1. Since then, he has averaged 34 minutes a game. He is one of the Pistons best defenders, so despite his offensive shortcomings, he should play a ton again as the team tries to advance to the second round. There is plenty of juice here, but the over is still appealing.

With their season on the line, the Pistons played Ausar Thompson 36 and 37 minutes the past two games. He responded with 15 and 10 rebounds, not to mention a total of 12 assists, six blocks and six steals. Thompson's athleticism, hustle and energy are off the charts. For Game 7, I'm expecting a ton of missed shots in what projects as another defensive grinder, giving Thompson plenty of opportunities to grab eight rebounds. I would also go Over 8.5 at plus money.
Team Injuries









