Jump straight to the main content.
The Detroit Pistons could potentially have the most promising future out of Michigan’s four major professional sports teams.
The 2022-23 NBA Season welcomes a young and talented roster in Detroit, courtesy of the assertive offseason moves made by general manager Troy Weaver.
Although it is expected for Michigan sports bettors to support the Pistons, oddsmakers do not necessarily share the same perspective.
As the new season is about to begin next week, oddsmakers still perceive Detroit as a year away.
Pistons 2022-23 Season Odds
The Pistons’ recent impressive NBA Draft performance hasn’t positioned them as top contenders in the playoff race, as indicated by the latest NBA Odds.
Detroit is still considered one of the least likely teams to win the NBA Finals this season, and the same holds true for their position in the Eastern Conference and the Central Division.
The Pistons’ projected win total for the season is set at 29.5 by FanDuel Sportsbook MI. Those betting on the over will find a -122 moneyline. Additionally, the odds for the Pistons to make the playoffs are listed at +880.
On October 19 at 7 p.m., the Detroit Pistons will commence their regular season by hosting the Orlando Magic.
Young Pistons roster full of promise
After two consecutive seasons with 20 wins each, the Pistons managed to slightly improve their record in 2021-22 with a 23-59 performance.
This year, Detroit is aiming to secure its first playoff appearance since 2019. Furthermore, it is eager to achieve its first playoff victory since 2008. Alongside the rest of Detroit’s professional sports teams, the Pistons have gone over 5,200 days without winning a playoff series.
Last season, Cade Cunningham emerged as a strong contender for Rookie of the Year and has now assumed the prominent role of leading the Pistons.
In the 2022 NBA Draft, the Pistons made some valuable additions, bringing in Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren in the first round. Notably, they still have talented players such as Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart, and Killian Hayes from the 2020 Draft.
After acquiring Marvin Bagley in a trade last February, Detroit decided to extend his contract for another 3 years. In addition, the Pistons recently made a trade for Bojan Bogdanovic, a 6’7″ forward from Utah, in order to bring more experience to their youthful roster.
As of now, it is unknown the severity of Bagley’s knee injury that occurred during Tuesday’s preseason game against Oklahoma City.
Cade Cunningham MVP Odds
This season, everyone’s attention is focused on the second-year guard hailing from Oklahoma State.
Last season, Cunningham embodied the qualities of a top pick, showcasing impressive statistics with an average of 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
Although Cunningham fell just short of winning Rookie of the Year, he has the potential to be a strong contender for both League MVP and Most Improved Player.
While it’s unlikely for MVP to be awarded unless the Pistons exceed expectations as a team, BetMGM Michigan has listed him at +50000 odds to win the title. Presently, he holds a 2.8% share of the wagers in the BetMGM MVP market.
Cunningham is listed at +2200 in the Most Improved category, making him one of the top favorites. According to BetMGM, he has received 6.6% of the bets placed in this market so far.
Last season, the Pistons had to depend on Cunningham to score more than they would have liked. Unfortunately, Detroit faced challenges in hitting outside shots, which hindered Cunningham’s opportunity to showcase his ability in facilitating offense for his team.
With a 32.6% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc this season, Detroit will find relief in the arrival of Ivey and the progress of Isaiah Livers, both providing external scoring options that will alleviate pressure on Cunningham.
Jaden Ivey Rookie of the Year Odds
Although the Pistons did not have the Rookie of the Year last season, they have a chance to secure it in the upcoming 2022-23 season.
Ivey, chosen as the fifth pick in the Draft, aims to become the first Piston to win the Rookie of the Year award since Grant Hill achieved it during the 1994-95 season.
Last season, the Boilermakers’ guard from Purdue, standing at 6-foot-4, recorded impressive stats with 17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Additionally, he displayed a solid shooting percentage of 35.8% from beyond the arc.
Ivey, an assertive player who thrives on fast-paced action, would be an ideal match for Cunningham. Both possess the ability to alternate ball handling duties and possess a natural knack for driving towards the basket.
Ivey is one of the top contenders for the Rookie of the Year title, according to BetMGM. His current odds stand at +550, placing him just behind Orlando’s Paolo Banchero (+200), the first overall pick, and Sacramento’s Keegan Murray (+500).
At BetMGM, Ivey is currently leading in ticket count for the Rookie of the Year (ROY) award. With 30.1% of the tickets, he holds the highest percentage. In terms of the handle, Ivey has secured 25.2%, which is second only to Banchero’s 36.6%.
Jalen Duren Rookie of the Year Odds
Ivey is not the sole contender from the Pistons in the race for the Rookie of the Year (ROY) award. Duren, who was chosen as the 13th overall pick in the NBA Draft, is also a strong contender.
Duren, an 18-year-old center hailing from Memphis, stands tall at 6-11.
Duren has shown great potential, as evidenced by his impressive stats of 12 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks during his single season with Memphis. Despite this, the Pistons might consider integrating him into their lineup at a slightly gradual pace compared to Ivey.
According to BetMGM, Duren is currently listed at +3000 odds to win the NBA Rookie of the Year.
Similar to Ivey, Duren is also experiencing significant public betting backing in the market. He currently holds a share of 3.1% of the total bets placed, positioning him among the top five most wagered players.
