The LA Lakers will look to stave off the kind of dogfight the Toronto Raptors gave them when they take on the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesar's Arena on Monday (Nov. 4). A blitzkrieg start followed by a lackluster play on both ends of the floor saw LA survive a Raptors threat — who despite being short-handed came close to pulling off an upset win.
It's advantage-Lakers on Monday when they play as a side that hosts them as part of their back-to-back. Detroit played the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday and propped up a 106-92 win, but they will now face a stern Lakers side that's looking to go 2-2 in their five-game road trip after dropping two contests to start the stretch.
The Lakers come off a 131-125 win over the Raptors with LeBron James continuing to dominate Toronto. It was another 'LeBronto' performance at Scotiabank Arena last week when he dished out 27 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists. Anthony Davis continued to show why he was an early contender for both MVP and DPOY with a 38-point assault, combined with 12 rebounds.
Both teams met twice last season with LA taking the series 2-0. They also have a 214-134 lead over the Pistons in their 348 regular season matchups.
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LA Lakers vs Detroit Pistons preview, predicted starting lineups, betting tips, odds, and prediction
The LA Lakers vs Detroit Pistons tips off at 7:30 pm ET at the Little Caesar's Arena, Detroit. Local coverage will be on FanDuel Sports Network. The game can be streamed live on Fubo TV and the NBA App with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.
Here are the odds ahead as listed ahead of the Monday evening matchup.
LA Lakers vs Detroit Pistons preview
Such was the start the Lakers had against the Raptors that not a lot saw their opponents attempt a furious rally to win the contest. They failed to consolidate on their huge 26-point lead and ended up allowing 60 points in the paint and giving the Raptors to score while pushing the pace.
The early signs are ominous and for a team playing its seventh game of the season, the good news is that they have the opportunity to make the fix.
The Lakers are expected Raptors and Pistons matchups whether they would field their star power or not. Their biggest threat in the new-look Pistons is Cade Cunningham's brilliant form to start this season. They will fancy their chances of putting up another win if they can keep the guard quiet.
Detroit are 2-5 to start the season and will look to avoid their paltry record from last season. A win over LA will boost their confidence massively. It's about momentum for both teams coming off wins. If the Lakers can shore up their defense on Monday, they will be able to build that mini-win streak before heading back West to complete their away trip.
LA Lakers vs Detroit Pistons predicted starting lineup
The Lakers have listed D'Angelo Russell in the injury report, but should he be able to take the floor, LA will play with their same starting unit.
LA Lakers injury report: Russell (right foot contusion) is listed as questionable. Anthony Davis (hip soreness) and Austin Reaves (right ankle soreness) are probable. Jarred Vanderbilt (foot injury recovery) and Christian Wood (knee injury recovery) are ruled out.
The Pistons will likely stick to the unit that's taken the floor for most games this season.
The Pistons are yet to file their official injury report. Ausar Thompson (illness) was ruled out against the Brooklyn Nets. It remains to be seen if the forward will play against LA on Monday.
LA Lakers vs Detroit Pistons betting tips
For the Lakers, D'Angelo Russell is -110/-110 o/u on points. LeBron James -115/+100 on points. Also, keep an eye out for Cade Cunningham who is listed -120/+110 on points.
LA Lakers vs Detroit Pistons prediction
The Lakers are expected to win this contest, and given recent form and size on both ends of the floor, this will be a game in their pocket. They have to switch off badly on both ends of the floor to lose this game. Chalk up another Lakers road win on Monday.
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