Indiana Pacers vs Detroit Pistons Prediction, Odds and Picks for Wednesday, 10/23/24

The Pacers were in the Eastern Conference Finals last season. I think a lot of people forgot that. They also have the best point guard in the league in Tyrese Haliburton, so there is a lot to be excited about, even though most are not giving them much of a chance to repeat last year’s success. Even if that is true, starting the season in Detroit is a nice way to do so. They won and covered all four times they played the Pistons last season.

Detroit ditched their coach after last season, even though they owed him a ton of money. I like the move in the sense that is emphasizes this team has to be improved. I think they will be, though that is certainly a very low bar. I like wing Cade Cunningham a lot but unless he elevates his game to a Luka Doncic level I am not sure this team has enough talent. He might already be at his ceiling, which is good, just not elite. Jade Ivey is the guy I am more excited about. He has better tools. 

The markets are expecting improvement too. Last year the Pistons were not lined closer than -7.5 in a game against Indiana, and even though they lost all those games the line here is a little more than half that. The closest Detroit got was eight points with the Pacers having no trouble slicing and dicing through the Pistons’ defense. I think we see that again on Wednesday. Early on offense is usually ahead of defense. Look for an easy win by Indiana with 120+ points on the board (like they had in all games last season).

Indiana -5 available at publishing.