Minnesota Timberwolves vs Detroit Pistons Prediction NBA Picks 1/4/25
Detroit Pistons (15-18) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (17-16)
Game Info: Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 7:00 pm (Little Caesars Arena)
Betting Odds: Detroit Pistons +6.5 --- Over/Under: 216.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been in a rut as they've lost five of their last eight games overall and they will be hoping to snap a two-game skid after falling painfully short to the Celtics in a 118-115 loss on Thursday. Julius Randle led the team with 27 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, Naz Reid added 20 points off the bench while Jaden McDaniels chipped in with 19 points. As a team, the Timberwolves shot 50 percent from the field and a sizzling 21 of 39 from the 3-point line as they worked hard to claw their way back from a 14-point deficit. The Timberwolves allowed the Celtics to use a 16-7 run late in the fourth quarter to slip away in the end. The Wolves will meet the Clippers after this game.
Detroit Pistons
Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons have been in great form lately as they've won five of their last six games overall, and they will be eager to stay hot after sneaking past the lowly Hornets in a 98-94 home win last night. Tobias Harris led the team with 24 points and 10 rebounds on nine of 16 shooting, Cade Cunningham added 18 points with five assists while Jalen Duren chipped in with 10 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks. As a team, the Pistons shot just 41 percent from the field and 12 of 37 from the 3-point line as they struggled to contain the Hornets early on and fell into a 13-point deficit. The Pistons flipped the script and dominated the second half by 46-29 to escape with the narrow win in front of their home fans. The Pistons will face the Trail Blazers following this one.
Why the Detroit Pistons will win
- The Timberwolves have lost each of their last six games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Pistons have won three of their last four games as underdogs against Western Conference opponents.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 11 games following a home loss.
- The Pistons have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games as home underdogs against Western Conference opponents.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Pistons have lost each of their last 18 games as underdogs following a home win.
- The Timberwolves have won eight of their last nine night games against the Pistons following a home loss.
- The Pistons have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine night games at Little Caesars Arena following a home win.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games as favorites against Central Division opponents following a loss.
Total Points Facts
- Ten of the Pistons' last 11 home games against the Timberwolves have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Timberwolves' last five games as road favorites has gone UNDER the total points line.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Detroit Pistons Prediction
The Timberwolves are coming into this game with the same squad, while the Pistons are still missing Jaden Ivey and Simone Fontecchio. The Timberwolves have hit a bit of a wall recently, but they would've taken plenty of confidence from their narrow loss to the Celtics on Thursday. The Pistons have quietly been playing some of their best basketball of the season to win five of their last six games. The Timberwolves should still be good enough to get the win despite playing below their best, but I think the Pistons can at least keep this one close right till the end.
Peter’s Pick Detroit +6.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
