A doubleheader on Peacock headlines Monday’s three-game NBA schedule. The San Antonio Spurs (40-17) against the Detroit Pistons (42-13) begin the action with a 7:00 p.m. ET tip-off, meeting in their first head-to-head matchup of the season.
Each team continues to prove they’re championship contenders, as the Spurs are on an eight-game winning streak, and the Pistons have won five consecutive matchups.
Let’s break down the matchup, make a Spurs vs. Pistons prediction and picks among PrizePicks Team Picks’ point spreads and over/unders, and highlight a pair of player projections.
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Spurs vs. Pistons Prediction, Picks
The Pistons won both head-to-head matchups last season, along with a 2-0 record against the spread (ATS). San Antonio is 6-4 in the last then clashes, but Detroit’s enjoyed recent success with a 4-3 record in the past seven bouts.
The Spurs boast 9-1 and 7-2-1 ATS records in their last 10 games, while the Pistons hold 8-2 and 7-3 marks.
Spurs vs. Pistons Over/Under, Spread
Backed by a 21-6 home record, the Pistons are 2.5-point favorites on Monday night. In a matchup between elite defenses, the 231.5 total suggests a low-scoring clash.
- Spread: Detroit Pistons -2.5
- Over/Under: 231.5
- Gamer Winner Payout: Spurs 1.96x | Pistons 1.78x
Team picks data is live as of publishing and is subject to change.
Spurs vs. Pistons Injury Report
Let’s have a look at the full Spurs vs. Pistons injury report for Monday’s matchup, via NBA.com.
Spurs Injury Report
- F Lindy Waters III (knee): Questionable
Pistons Injury Report
- F Isaiah Stewest (league suspension): OUT
Spurs vs. Pistons Prediction on Total
Following a fight between Charlotte and Detroit before the All-Star break, Pistons F Isaiah Stewart (seven games) and C Jalen Duren (two games) were suspended. Duren returned on February 21, instantly boosting Detroit’s paint attack with 26 points.
The Pistons have leaned on getting to the rim, ranking second in shot distribution around the rim, per Dunks & Threes. However, the Spurs are fourth in shot distribution around the rim allowed and surrender only 46.3 points in the paint per game (seventh).
Detroit’s 57.1 points in the paint per matchup (second) could be kept in check by San Antonio’s elite interior defense, including Spurs PF/C Victor Wembanyama’s 107.1 defensive rating, per FantasyLabs.
Ranked seventh in shot distribution around the rim, San Antonio could have a similar issue scoring in the paint; the Pistons rank fifth in shot distribution around the rim allowed. Each defense is most vulnerable on the perimeter, with the Spurs ninth and Detroit 23rd in 3-point shot distribution allowed.
However, both teams lack efficiency from beyond the arc, proven by San Antonio’s 34.8% 3-point percentage (23rd) and the Pistons’ 35.2% mark (19th).
NBA Advanced Stats have the Spurs third in defensive rating, one spot behind the Pistons (second). If neither offense can play to its strength, Monday night could bring a low-scoring affair.
Spurs vs. Pistons Picks for PrizePicks Today: Monday, February 23
Spurs PF/C Victory Wembanayama’s versatility could be on display tonight, and Pistons G Duncan Robinson stands out as Detroit’s top 3-point shooter for player projections on PrizePicks.
Spurs PF/C Victor Wembanyama vs. Pistons Projection: 23.5 Points
- The Pistons average the most personal fouls per play, leading to opponents posting 27.8 free throw attempts per game (30th).
- Wembanyama leads the Spurs with 7.1 attempted free throws per matchup, and he’s increased that average to 8.3 in February.
- Along with easy points at the charity stripe, Wemby shoots 35.7% from beyond the arc and logs 1.8 made treys per game.
- The 7’4” middleman averages 24.3 points per game (PPG) this season and 25.4 PPG this month.
Pistons G Duncan Robinson vs. Spurs Projection: 2.5 Made 3-Pointers
- Opposing teams total 13.1 made triples per game (15th) and have a 35.9% 3-point percentage (15th) against the Spurs.
- Robinson leads the Pistons with 7.3 attempted triples per game and shoots an efficient 40.5% from deep.
- After posting 3.0 made treys per game in January, the Michigan product is recording 3.5 triples per appearance in February.
- His volume has slightly increased to 7.5 3-point attempts per game, paired with a 46.7% mark from beyond the arc this month.
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Make Spurs vs. Pistons NBA Picks on PrizePicks
In a matchup between top-three defenses, points could be at a premium tonight. Both squads have elite rim protection, drawing our attention to the 3-point line. Wemby and Robinson’s success from deep could help decide this primetime clash.
Make your Spurs vs. Pistons picks at PrizePicks, where you can earn real-money rewards for your predictions if you’re right. Just choose players predict More or Less on their projected stats, and follow the hoops action to see if your picks hit. You can make picks on winners, spreads, and over/unders on Team Picks, now available in 34 states.
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