Orlando at Detroit

Detroit seems to be back. They faltered against Philadelphia early as their "going through the motions" proved not to be enough. After getting down 2-1 to the Sixers, they have won four straight by an average score of 96 to 79. Now that's what we call defense. Do they let up here after a big win in game one? No way! Doing that would give away home court advantage again and the taste of that is still too fresh. As we predicted in game one, the Pistons defense stifled the Magic and Dwight Howard wasn't a huge factor. He dominated against the Raptors, but against the Pistons, he's being reduced in stature. And if it weren't already enough, Howard injured his thumb in game one. Orlando's lack of ability to pressure Detroit is going to be their downfall. They averaged just six steals per game in the regular season and got only five last game. Detroit is 19-10 ATS this season vs. low-pressure teams that average under eight steals per game. Orlando is 10-26 ATS in their last 36 games following two straight games with under six steals. Detroit is now 29-15 ATS as a home favorite this season and 18-5 ATS after two straight pointspread covers as a favorite. They are 22-10 ATS after allowing 85 points or less including a perfect 10-0 ATS after allowing 85 or less in two straight games. This is a bad matchup for an overmatched Orlando club as long as Detroit shows up. We think based on what happened vs. Philly they will again show up tonight.