Daily Free NCAAB Lock Picks, Friday, March 8: San Diego State vs. Boise State 10pm ET
Click to choose now
The Detroit Pistons will host the Dallas Mavericks at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, a showdown between two teams with very different aspirations. The Mavericks enter this game in eighth place in the Western Conference standings as they battle for a playoff spot. As for Detroit, a horrible start to the season has set them back and will serve as a spoiler, aiming to keep an eye on how things go next year. This is the first time the two have met this year, but Dallas has won six of the past seven meetings. This is interesting content for fans considering Saturday's lack of content.
It's not an easy time of year to outdo books. If you're looking for quality NBA free picks, you've come to the right place.
Dallas declines in West standings
After a strong first half of the season, the second half will be a little more difficult for the Mavericks. They were able to pick up a win last time, but it ended a three-game losing streak. Beyond that, they have just two wins in their last seven games and three since the All-Star break. Sitting in eighth place in the Western Conference standings, they know it is imperative they find a way to perform well and move up in the standings to get out of the play-in tournament. Their winning record on the road and recent success against the Pistons should help boost their confidence going into this game, and with three tough games ahead, a win on Saturday is a must.
Sports betting promotions include odds boosts, bonus bets, first bet insurance, and deposit match offers.
The Mavs only have one injury to worry about heading into this trip, but it could have an impact. Derek Lively II (calf) is questionable after leaving the game early during the previous timeout. As a surprise rookie, the frontcourt could take a step back without him in the fold.
Dallas' life and death depend on their 3-point shooting, but considering the matchup at hand, that may not be very good news. They rank third in the NBA in threes made and second in threes made. Against a defense that likes to take shooters off the 3-point line, they may need to find scoring elsewhere. Luka Doncic (34.6 ppg, 9 rpg, 9.8 apg) continues to lead the way and is putting together a potential MVP season. For IT, Kyrie Irving (25.6 points) emerged as a scoring threat and helped shape the offense. With only three double-digit scorers on the roster, early success from these two will be critical, and if they stifle, other players will pick up the points. will be difficult.
Pistons embrace spoiler role
It's been a long season for Detroit fans, and while there's little sign that things will change for next season, they at least have a chance to influence another team's playoff prospects. They were able to pull off an upset win against the Nets last time out, but have only won two of their last 10 games. Seven of those games will be played away so they will be happy to be back at home, but it remains to be seen whether it will make a difference. With a home record of 5-25, it will be difficult to host a team with playoff aspirations and plenty of players who can play.
The benefit for Detroit is that they don't have to worry about injuries, at least heading into the weekend. Quentin Grimes (knee) is questionable, but his absence will likely affect how this game goes given his limited impact since arriving from New York.
Detroit has been brutal at times on both ends of the ball, but with a near-full depth, their offense is unlikely to stop them. They rank 17th in the league in field goal percentage and 18th in 3-point percentage. With Cade Cunningham (22.4 ppg, 7.5 rpg) still leading the way and several double-digit scorers, they at least have plenty of paths to success. However, the defensive end appears to be a bigger concern. They are in the bottom third of the league in most defensive categories and will be a nightmare matchup, especially at the guard position. It doesn't matter how well the offensive line performs if it doesn't get stops.
Friday's top plays
Today's top plays
scott steen – 14-3 CBB Best Bet Run – Get Scott's Friday Night MAC Blaster for just $29 – click here
MIT simulator – 15-4-1 NBA Total Run – Get MIT's Friday Night NBA Total Best Bets for just $29 – click here
Nick Parsons – 11-3 CBB Best Bet Run – Get Nick's Southern Game of the Year for just $45 – click here
david hess – 24-11 CBB Best Bet Run – Win David's Friday Night CBB Total Destroyer for just $29 – click here
Andre Ifill – 15-6 NBA Run – Get Andre's Friday Night NBA Blockbuster for just $29 – click here
Recommended content for this game
full game side bets
Insider status:
evaluation:
Detroit will have a hard time winning this game, but their depth will help. The Mavs appear to be further affected by the injury list, and their strength from the 3-point line will be negated by Detroit's strong perimeter defense. The Pistons will be at home, and while it won't do much, it will at least help a little. Well, the defense is the big concern, but the offense has the pieces and scoring depth to run multiple rotations that could be successful. His ability to score, especially in the paint, will come in handy in this game as he stays close. Detroit covered the spread in both games last season, and they have covered the spread in each of their last two games as well, as fans can expect both of these trends to continue.
Prediction: Detroit (+6.5)
full game total pick
Insider status:
evaluation:
Defense seems to be an option at times for these two teams, and it's certainly expected to be when they play against each other. While Detroit was strong on the perimeter, they struggled in almost every other capacity and could have trouble finding stops against a Dallas team that catches fire quickly. The positive is that they have a few double-digit scorers, at least on offense, and should have no problem producing their own solid shots in this game. Five of the last seven games between these two have been over, and with another high-scoring game to be played, this is the second consecutive over for Detroit overall.
Prediction: 235+
