The Cleveland Cavaliers are again dominating the Eastern conference in 2009-10, winning their way to a five and a half game lead on the second-placed Orlando Magic with just under a month remaining in the regular season. The Cavaliers have already clinched a playoff spot, and could wrap up home court advantage throughout the playoffs by winning at least ten of their final 15 games. That task begins Tuesday night against the lowly Pistons in Detroit, who have all but mathematically been eliminated from postseason contention, back eight and a half games from the eighth spot in the east.

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Detroit Pistons

Tuesday March 16, 2010

NBA Betting Odds: Cavaliers - 820

The Cavaliers took another step towards clinching home court advantage throughout the playoffs by bumping the fourth place Boston Celtics 104-93 Sunday night at home. They will have an excellent chance to improve their positioning on back-to-back nights first in Detroit on Tuesday, then at home to Indiana Wednesday. Both opponents are well out of postseason contention in the Eastern conference. Cleveland has taken the first two of four games in the season series, including a 99-92 victory earlier in the month. Lebron James scored a game-high 40 points in that contest, and added 13 rebounds for his 25^th double-double on the campaign. Trade acquisition Antawn Jamison had 17 points on 7-13 shooting, while Anderson Varajeo torched the Pistons' interior for 16 points off of the bench.

Detroit was not terrible in the game it did have a commanding 15-point lead midway through the third quarter before falling apart down the stretch. The Pistons were limited to just 15 points in the third quarter, and were outscored 53-37 in the second half overall. Tayshaun Prince led all Detroit scorers with 23, but couldn't keep pace with Cleveland's offense once it got on a roll. The Cavaliers have won five consecutive games between these teams dating back to early last season, and should continue to top this opponent until Detroit becomes a more complete team on both ends of the court.

Online Betting Pick: Cleveland

Betting Services Over/Under Line: 190

Cleveland is averaging just over 100 points per game this season, but has failed to eclipse the century mark in each of the two meetings between these teams this season. Both teams have held their opponent below their average scoring totals in the two contests, and it would be no surprise to sports betting enthusiasts for the number to be below that line once more. Detroit has struggled offensively all season, and with the Cavaliers heavy favourites and playing the first of back-to-back nights, this could be a game the Cleveland controls early before turning to the bench in an effort to rest its stars.

Over/Under Pick: Under 190

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