Detroit is hard to get behind right now. I understand that. But the Cavaliers' record in these type of games is astounding - astoundingly horrific. Cleveland has failed to cover 21 of the past 25 times as favorites. The Cavaliers are 3-23 ATS at home versus opponents with a losing road mark.

Cleveland will be dealing with Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin minus front-court starters Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson along with reserve Jeff Green. Thompson was averaging 11 rebounds per game during Cleveland's last four games. Thompson's absence puts unsung rookie Ante Zizic likely into the rotation.

The Cavaliers are 4-4 since dealing for George Hill, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr. and Rodney Hood. They are better than they were without this infusion of youth and athleticism, but are going through an adjustment period and are not an elite team right now.

The Pistons were 19-14 before point guard Reggie Jackson was injured. They are 6-8 since trading for Blake Griffin. They trail the Heat by four games for the final playoff spot in the East and trying to hang in as Jackson could returning to the lineup possibly next week. So the Pistons should play hard here. Griffin and Drummond give them a frontcourt edge on the Cavaliers.

Detroit defeated Cleveland in the previous meeting, 125-114, achieving the victory without Griffin and Jackson.