NBA Premium Play 01/17: New York Knicks @ Detroit Pistons

NBA - 501 New York Knicks vs 502 Detroit Pistons

Projected Line: 198 points

This London game has a good spot for a high scoring game. Both teams are rested and the feeling that I have from this game is an exhibition without big concerns, as NBA needs to promote the game in Europe and so, I can't imagine the umpire allowing this game to be a physical one. They want points and this will mean free throws. In 2011, we had two London games between New Jersey and Toronto and the results were 116-103 and 137-136 in 3OT, with 110-110 at the end of regulation. 

Detroit's size in the frontcourt can be a good factor for them on offense. They are one of the teams with the biggest volume at the rim with 37% and against an undersized Knicks, they should create some problems to the NY team. The Knicks are allowing 66% FG at the rim and at the same time, only Tyson Chandler can really stop the Pistons's frontcourt players. On the last game between these two teams, Detroit scored 46 points in the paint and shot 20-29 FG at the rim. Besides that, the Knicks will have problems against the dribble penetrations from Detroit's guards, especially against Will Bynum that is amazing on the pick and rolls.

Detroit's defense has been improving, but they have been facing teams without great shooting skills like Utah, Milwaukee, Charlotte and Atlanta on a tremendous slump. The Knicks only had one recent bad game, where they didn't reach 110 on offensive ratings and that was against Indiana and Carmelo Anthony didn't play in that game. Detroit is the worst defensive team in the league on pick and rolls and the Knicks with their small ball movement will pound them on offense today. I expect a high scoring game today and so, I'll be taking the Over.

Pick: 3 units (Single Dime Play) on 501/502 Over 193.5  @ -110 / 1.91 on Bookmaker