GST Staff

Bulls at Cavs Bets 11-15-2024

Raptors Look to Snap 5-Game Slide vs Improving Pistons

Last updated: Nov 15, 2024 03:07 PM EST

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The struggling Toronto Raptors (2-10) host the Detroit Pistons (5-8) in a matchup of teams looking to find their footing in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors enter this contest riding a five-game losing streak, while the Pistons come in having split their last ten games evenly.
Toronto's recent form has been particularly concerning, with their offense cooling significantly over their past five games. The Raptors have seen their scoring drop from a season average of nearly 113 points to just 103.4 during this stretch, while their field goal percentage has dipped to 43.3 percent from their season mark of 45.8 percent.
The Pistons have shown signs of improvement lately, particularly on the glass. Detroit has dominated the rebounding battle in recent games, pulling down nearly 50 rebounds per contest over their last five outings – a notable increase from their season average of 46.7 boards. This could prove crucial against a Raptors team that's averaging just 42.6 rebounds during their five-game slide.
Offensive efficiency tells an interesting story for both teams. While Detroit has maintained relatively consistent shooting, connecting on 47.3 percent of their attempts over the last five games, Toronto's offensive struggles are evident in their recent 43.3 percent shooting – more than two percentage points below their season average.
The Raptors have maintained their playmaking despite their recent struggles, dishing out 27 assists per game during their losing streak. Detroit has shown improvement in this area, increasing their assist numbers from a season average of 24.6 to 27.2 over their last five games.
Defensively, Toronto has actually tightened things up recently, allowing 114 points per game in their last five compared to their season average of 120.8. The Pistons, meanwhile, have seen opponents score 115.6 points over their last five games, slightly above their season average of 111.8.
Both teams have shown similar ball security lately, with Toronto averaging 14.2 turnovers and Detroit 15.8 over their last five games – a marginal improvement for both teams compared to their season averages.
The contrast in recent form is stark: while the Pistons have maintained a respectable 40 percent win rate over their last five games, the Raptors are still searching for answers during their winless streak. This game presents an opportunity for Toronto to reverse their fortunes on their home court, while Detroit looks to build on their more stable recent performances.

Today's Best Bets: Analysis & Predictions

CHI@CLE Under 218.5

Fri, Nov 15, 07:30 PM EST

The Chicago Bulls have struggled on both ends of the floor this season, posting a 41.7% win percentage while allowing 120.4 points per game. Their defensive issues have persisted over the last 10 games, surrendering 120.0 points per contest. Offensively, the Bulls have been slightly more efficient, shooting 46.2% from the field and 36.9% from three over that same span.

In contrast, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been dominant, entering this matchup with an unblemished 12-0 record. They've excelled on both ends, averaging 121.8 points per game on 51.9% shooting while limiting opponents to just 109.5 points on 41.2% three-point shooting allowed. Over their last 10 games, the Cavs have nearly matched those stellar numbers, outscoring teams by 9.2 points per game.

Given the stark contrast in team performance, particularly on the defensive end, the under 218.5 could be a valuable play. The Cavaliers' stifling defense against the Bulls' relatively inefficient offense points to a lower-scoring affair.

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