Recommending a rather large bet on Pistons to win their game against a sometimes-surprising Atlanta team who's rigged to tank. This COULD be a rather ginormous-sized bet, but it's toned down from some experienced skepticism outlined below, so we're putting in for a 4.0% AUM bet on the game.
Blake Griffin
You don't sign Blake Griffin bc you want to tank the season for draft picks; you sign him bc you wanna terrorize other teams in the playoffs. Griffin might be the toughest guy layered on top of an injury-prone body, but he's a guy that'll get you TO the playoffs and help you win them. Oh, and did we mention he now has a giant chip on his shoulder since he was surprisingly traded from his Clippers right when he was altering his game to be even MORE effective, and right when the Clippers were arguably the biggest surprise in the NBA in terms of winning games this year after trading Chris Paul?
Detroit needs wins BADLY and they are playing Atlanta-- who don't need wins; in fact, Atlanta needs losses.
This is a match made in moneyline heaven. Is it too good to be true tho?
Injuries might benefit Detroit
Sure, Reggie Jackson and Jon Leuer are good players, but it JUST might be possible their replacements have been better players. We leave it up to you, but we think at the very least the change hasn't been drastic, as Tolliver and Ish Smith play hard. But just consider that Detroit might even be BETTER without them.
No messing around
Detroit can't afford to monkey around with the rest of this season, they are right on the edge of playoff berths, with 76ers giving them trouble.
Why we might be wrong...
A. Weekend game
We fear the big weekend games, for reasons we don't like to get into. But needless to say, beware the weekend game, surprises might happen.
B. Away Game
For moneyline games, playing at home matters. Atlanta will have a much bigger incentive to win at home.
That said, Detroit is a better away team than Atlanta is a good home team. So dont' get TOO scared by this.
C. Hawks been feisty all year
They beat Cleveland away on Nov 5, Schroder and Collins having big games.
They beat a tough Miami team on Dec 20, Bazemore having a good game.
They beat Washington on Dec 27, with Ilyasova brining the surprise contribution
Beat Portland on Schroder filling up stat sheet
Beat Denver away, not easy to do in any sport
Another win at home vs SAS on Jan 15
Pelicans downed on Jan 17
Drubbing of Utah 104-90 on Jan 22
Beat Minnesota Jan 29
But we take comfort it's now been 2 weeks since Atlanta caused any GOOD teams a problem.
D. Team dynamic just changed
Sometimes adding a new player like Blake Griffin can hurt for a little while, until a few games or weeks gets the new players accustomed to each other.
Wishing you the best of luck today on your punts, fellow Steemians!
