Detroit at Orlando

We were on the Pistons in the first two game got the W's. We're sticking with these guys again. Detroit has won nine in a row vs. the Magic but here are expected to lose? We think they remain motivated from the scare they received from the Sixers in round one. Many will look to the Magic keeping game two close. They were in fact up 68-65 in the third quarter. But, without having drilled seven straight three-pointers to get there, the Magic would have again been blown out. We're betting they don't hit seven threes in a row again. Detroit's defense is completely unnerving the Magic. Orland has shot just 42% from the field. Detroit has forced 32 turnovers while turning it over just 14 times. The Pistons are averaging just 85 ppg allowed in the playoffs and 81.4 over their last five games. Orlando has averaged just 93.4 ppg over their last five. This is simply a big mismatch - bigger than most think. The only thing that ruins Detroit's run here is if they let down. But, as stated, we think they avoid that based on what happened last series. Truth be told, Detroit is 13-5 ATS this season vs. teams at .600 or better. They are 19-5 ATS this season after two straight ATS wins as a favorite! We'll take the better team as a dog. We're also on the first-half UNDER here. Detroit has held their playoff opponents to just 40.1 ppg in the first half. Orlando's first-half productivity has fallen off dramatically. While they averaged about 52 ppg in the first half during the regular season, they have managed just 48.3 in the playoffs and 43.8 over their last five games. As the games have intensified, their offense has faltered. Detroit is 20-10 UNDER in the first half this season after 3+ straight wins. Orlando is 26-15 UNDER in the first half as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points and 24-14 UNDER after an OVER this season. The Magic are also 12-4 UNDER at home this season revenging a loss as they try to pick up the defense against such opponents. We'll back the Pistons plus the points and the first-half UNDER here.