3 Bold Predictions for Pistons vs. Lakers: Will Drama Distract Detroit's Young Stars?

Chaos erupted last weekend between the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers after Isaiah Stewart and Lebron James got into it. This could be one of the most anticipated rematches since Fury vs. Wilder III. Both players have completed their short suspension and will be hungry to beat each other on the court tonight. 

As of this writing, WynnBET Sportsbook has the Lakers 10.5-point home favorites with a total of 213.5.  Will the two players involved in last week’s fight put on a big show or will they let that spat distract them from the game? Let’s make a few bold predictions for this game and find out. 

Bold Predictions for Pistons vs Lakers

• Isaiah Stewart UNDER 7.5 PTS (-135)
• Isaiah Stewart OVER 7.5 REB (+100)
• Cade Cunningham OVER  14.5 PTS (-125)

Isaiah Stewart UNDER 7.5 PTS (-135)

Stewart has many talents as a young NBA player. But, as of today, scoring is not yet one of those skills. Stewart is averaging 7.1 PPG but his production dropped off in November and his average is slightly inflated due to one 20-point explosion. If you remove that game from the equation, Stewart’s PPG average over the last month is just 5.0.  

I think that the “revenge” aspect will get the better of him in this game as well. While LeBron is an experienced veteran, Stewart is in just his second year in the league. Starting beef with The King is one thing but playing up to the trash talk is another. I think Stewart will focus his anger in an area that better suits him, the rebounding game. 

Isaiah Stewart OVER 7.5 REB (+100)

Stewart continues to do what he does best in Friday's game against the LA Clippers, securing 12 rebounds in 27 minutes of work. He now has 11 or more rebounds in three of his last five games. Stewart played more than 26 minutes in all of those games and less than 20 in the games he went under 10 rebounds. So, hopefully, he can avoid fatigue and foul trouble and log those extra minutes tonight. He did only manage one rebound in his last game against the Lakers but I think he is a force on the glass tonight in L.A. 

Cade Cunningham OVER  14.5 PTS (-125)

Cunningham is an amazing talent who has seen his share of freshman struggles this season. However, his last game against the Lakers was the best he has had all season and was his first triple-double in the NBA. Cunningham had 13 points, 10 dimes, and 12 boards in the loss to LA. So, he has shown that he has the skills to put some work in against the defense. As of today, he is averaging 12.9 PPG after a 10-point performance against the Clippers last night. 

I like the fact that Cunningham has already found a way to find success against the Lakers. I like even more the Lakers currently rank 29th in the NBA in points allowed per game at 114.5. I think Cunningham has another fine performance tonight and goes over this total in a losing effort.