NBA: Philadelphia at Detroit

With the Pistons trying to even the series on Wednesday as 10 ½-point favorites, 56% of bettors expect an easy win by the hosts.

For a team with an overall proud playoff history, Detroit will blow off the first postseason game loss and ignore critics who point out that teams that lose first game of a series do not advance to next round over 80 percent of the time.

The Pistons with its many veteran players, will talk about how they are one in five teams that will ultimately prevail and move on.

Bettors certainly believe in the Pistons in the second game, having boosted a nine-point spread to 10 ½ points since opening number was released.

Most will point to Detroit falling asleep at the wheel, in giving away 15 point lead. Others will mention the Pistons are 10-1 ATS at The Palace of Auburn Hills after one or more consecutive losses this season. While even more will toss the opening game loss aside and say veteran leadership will prevail.

The question becomes, is any of this true? The Sixers showed what they may lack in experience, they more than make up with in youth and quickness. After a nervous start, they went on a 10-0 run, being down 62-47.

This got them back in the game and unknowns like Willie Green, Reggie Evans and Thaddeus Young all made strong winning contributions down the stretch.

"There's no question that we grew up in the second half," Philadelphia coach Maurice Cheeks said.

Maybe even the best aspect for coach Checks is his best all-around player, Andre Iguodola, was 4-15 shooting, though had a solid floor game. Philly will try to raise their record to 20-10 ATS against defensive teams forcing 14 or fewer turnovers a game in the second half of this season.

Though the Sixers make a three-point shot about as often as Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins has a base hit, they face a Detroit team that is 0-8 ATS in home games revenging a straight up loss as a favorite of seven or more.

For good measure, Philadelphia catches a very positive system in their favor.

Play On Underdogs after trailing their last two games by 10+ points at the half against opponent after a game where both teams scored 90 points or less. This system has been ringing up winners at a 75% clip the last three years. (15-5 ATS)

The action starts at 7:30 pm ET on NBA TV.

StatFox Take – Detroit by 7

Sports Betting at Sportsbook.com