The Detroit Pistons tied up the Eastern Conference Final best of seven series 2-2 after they let Game 3 home game slip away to the Boston Celtics. Tonight’s Game 5 takes place in Boston, where the Pistons handed the Celtics their first playoff home loss. Oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have the Celtics as 6-point favs over the Pistons with the over/under posted at 173 ½. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com
The Pistons got a huge game out of Antonio McDyess in Game 4, he finished with 21pts and 16 rebounds, to lead the Pistons to a 94-75 victory. McDyess was the top producer on the night while Richard Hamilton was close behind with 20pts and 7 assists. As a team they shot 51% from the field, 22% from downtown and 76% from the line. They dominated in the paint and at one point in the game the Pistons had a commanding 19pt lead. The Pistons have to play tonight’s game like it’s their last, if they can get the win tonight they might not have to travel back to Boston. The Pistons are 4-3 SU on the road in the playoffs where they’ve averaged 89 PPG. In all three playoff series they’ve lost one road game, but they still made it through to the next round. During their last five games they’ve averaged 89 PPG and they’ve given up an average 91 PPG. Richard Hamilton is their top scorer averaging 21 PPG, Tayshaun Prince is good for 14 PPG and Chauncey Billups averages 14 PPG. Billups is working himself back into form after being out for two weeks with a strained right hamstring. "I think his leg is fine; I think he just needs to get his timing back. If you notice, he's playing better late in games, and I think some of that is just from getting into a rhythm," Saunders said. "It isn't about how he plays, it is about how the team plays. When we lose, it is going to be his fault, and when we win, he'll get the credit. That just goes with being a point guard."
The Celtics had one of the best home records going, but after the Pistons served them their first playoff home loss, they know they can’t take home court for advantage. "They never panic, especially Ray, Paul and KG. They're always poised," center Kendrick Perkins said. "They never talk negative, even after the loss they stayed positive. It was like, 'Don't even worry about it. We aren't losing any more games at home."' The Celtics are 8-1 SU at home in the playoffs where they’ve averaged 105 PPG. The Celtics shot just 32% from the floor on Monday night, with the Big Three making just 11 of 38 shots, and kept it close only by making 32 free throws to Detroit’s 20. The Celtics have averaged 90 PPG in their last five games and they’ve given up an average 89 PPG.
Recent Trends to Consider
- Pistons are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.
- Pistons are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games as a road underdog of 5.0-10.5.
- Pistons are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
- Celtics are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.
- Celtics are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 playoff games as a favorite of 5.0-10.5.
- Road team is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
- Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in Boston.
- Underdog is 12-5 ATS in the last 17 meetings.
GAME: Detroit Pistons (69-28) at Boston Celtics (76-24)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 28 – 8:30 PM EST
LINE: SBGglobal.com TOTAL: 173 ½
PICK: Detroit +6
The Bottom Line: With a healthy Billups and their other starters shooting well they should be able to cover the spread. Boston has been starting home games slowly, if Detroit can set the pace early I have faith they will cash in on the spread. Get your NBA Playoff Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com and recieve a 10% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!
