Setting The Pick: Pistons-Raptors betting preview

For most lottery-bound teams, tonight’s matchup would be any other game.

For Detroit Pistons coach Dwane Casey, this is probably a must-win.

You can point to coaching, matchups, or analytics, but for some reason the Pistons always come ready for their games against the Toronto Raptors.

Pistons/Raptors tonight. AKA Dwane Casey's Super Bowl. Casey's record vs Raptors as Pistons coach: 8-3 (.727 winning %) His record as Pistons coach: 96-186 (.340 winning %)

Here are three bets to consider ahead of tipoff:

Detroit Pistons +8.5

Oddsmakers set lines based on historical data and build models that dynamically adjust to a variety of statistically driven factors.

Sometimes, this very automated process doesn’t account for tidbits like Casey’s unproven grudge against his former organization.

Is there substance to this angle?

On one hand, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and OG Anunoby are the only players to play under his leadership.

On the other, Nick Nurse was Casey’s assistant coach at one point. It’s easier to prepare counterattacks when you know your opponent’s tendencies right?

Even though VanVleet hasn’t been ruled out, there’s reason to believe he opts to sit out both of these home games ahead of their upcoming six-game road trip.

Taking your Raptors/NBA questions on this morning's edition of #TheRaptorsBeat. Send 'em in and we'll answer a few live at 10am @TSN1050Radio. https://t.co/duqS1wQHHW

On Tuesday night, the line moved a full point after VanVleet was ruled out roughly two hours before tipoff.

If you get in at the current price, you’ll likely catch an extra point or two of value prior to close.

Gary Trent Jr. under 3.5 threes

This pick is a combination of two observations:

1. The Raptors’ offence has been more