The Toronto Raptors have cleared a number of players to return to the team after the organization went through a difficult outbreak with COVID-19. However, it is still unknown who will be available for Toronto’s matchup with the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, March 17. Despite the uncertainty, the Raptors remain the betting favorites in the game that is set to tip off at 7 p.m. ET from Little Caesars Arena.
Toronto has lost each of its last five games since the outbreak occurred took several players and coaches out of the action. Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, Pat McCaw and Malachi Flynn were each cleared to practice on Tuesday, and OG Anunoby was able to get some work in. All five of these players missed multiple games while going through the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Head coach Nick Nurse also missed time, though he’s been back coaching the team.
The Raptors benefited from having the All-Star break so their key pieces didn’t miss anymore time, but there are still plenty of unknowns heading into Wednesday’s game. While several players have been cleared to practice, it remains to be seen who if any will play. VanVleet told reporters he had a “pretty rough” bout with the coronavirus, and it’s possible some of the players will need to get back into game shape after all the time away.
Toronto could certainly use more help playing without several contributors recently, and the Raptors haven’t found much success. After a five-game losing streak, they dropped to 17-22 on the season, which is last in the Atlantic Division and the 11th best record in the Eastern Conference.
In their last time out, the Raptors fell 118-95 to the Chicago Bulls on the road Sunday and allowed rookie Patrick Williams to score a career-high 23 points. Toronto was led by Norman Powell, who scored 32 points, and Kyle Lowry added 20 points and eight assists. He was ejected late in the game after picking up two technical fouls.
As for the Pistons, they will come into Wednesday’s game with a 10-29 record, which is the worst in the East and second only to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the worst record in the NBA. Detroit lost seven of its last eight games and has lost four consecutive games. The Pistons were defeated 109-99 at home against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, March 15 in the first of a two-game homestand.
Detroit is unlikely to be at full strength either with Wayne Ellington and Rodney McGruder listed as doubtful. In addition, Dennis Smith Jr. is questionable as he is going through the health and safety protocols.
The last time these two teams played each other was the first in which all five players impacted by COVID-19 had to sit out on March 3. Detroit won that game 129-105. Powell led the Raptors with 36 points on 14 of 20 shooting from the floor.
Toronto Raptors vs. Detroit Pistons Betting Info
Plenty of betting odds are available to be wagered in this game, but here’s a look at the main wagering categories for Wednesday night with the point spread, point total and moneyline to go along with some of the recent betting trends for both teams.
All odds are via a popular United States sportsbook.
Point Spread
The Raptors are favored by 4.5 points with -112 odds to cover this spread, while the Pistons are getting -109 to cover the +4.5.
NBA Betting Trends: Toronto had covered in three of its last four games before failing to do so in each of its last two games. Detroit is 3-2 against the spread in its last five games.
Point Total
The oddsmakers set the over/under for this game at 217 with the over getting -113 odds and the under at -109.
Betting Trends: The total went over in five of Toronto’s last seven games, while the under cashed in nine of Detroit’s last 12. The over hit in four of the last six games these two teams played each other.
Moneyline
The Raptors are getting -186 odds to earn an outright victory in this matchup, while the Pistons have +155 odds to come away with a win as home underdogs.
Raptors Betting Trends: Toronto is 0-5 on the moneyline in its last five games, and Detroit is 1-7 straight up in its last eight including 0-4 in its last four.
What’s Next?
The Raptors will return home after a three-game road trip, but it doesn’t get much easier. Toronto will host the Utah Jazz, which have the best record in the NBA. We will see if the Raptors will be at full strength for that game on Friday, March 19.
