In the land of betting on fringe playoff teams, the Detroit Pistons reign supreme. They're an interesting case study in analyzing a team that has the potential to beat almost anyone while, at the same time, siring the uncertainty of a contingent that can be beaten by anyone. Does this scare you? It should—unless you're prepared to take a good, hard look at Detroit. However, the Pistons have a good starting lineup, both on paper and on the hardwood. [+]

But if you don't do your homework and instead choose to read too much into records and miniature hot and cold streaks, you're going to get burned.

Detroit Pistons Next Game

Here is where you can find which team the Pistons will be matching up with next. [+]

Though it's important to maintain a broad focus when betting on the NBA, it's equally imperative that you do your due diligence. This will help narrow your focus and get the necessary lowdown on Detroit's next opponent in advance of your wager.

My Team's Next MatchDetroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons Regular Season Schedule

Now, about that broad-betting focus...This is the Pistons' regular-season schedule. Study opponents and plan bets ahead of time whenever possible. Lines for games can sometimes be dropped well in advance, and the earlier you get in on them, the more money you have a chance to win.

Results / FixturesDetroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons Standings

Also be sure to bookmark the Pistons' standing within the Eastern Conference. This helps you understand how good potential opponents are playing in any given season, and it directly shapes how you should approach round-by-round playoff betting. [+]

More than that, it's never not important to know where a team you're betting on or against stands relative to the rest of its conference.

StandingsDetroit Pistons

Understand the Pistons Aren't Playing for Now

It's tempting to get ambitious when betting on the Pistons. The core is there, after all. Andre Drummond, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Tobias Harris and Reggie Jackson make for one heck of a four-pronged nucleus. On top of that, Detroit's defense is solid, and its offense has the potential to be deadly.

But that doesn't overshadow the fact that these Pistons are still rebuilding. They may not even be headed for a playoff berth, let alone a multiround postseson push. They still have their offensive warts. They are still going to endure growing pains. You must keep this in perspective when looking at single-game spreads and moneylines. If a line seems too good to be true, it probably is, and you should consider betting the other way or moving on to another game.

Now, with that in mind, the Pistons remain a good team. If you're looking to place low-priced long-shot bets, they're a solid candidate in which to invest your money. They will even be more intriguing over the offseason. They have a ton of cap space and a talented foundation in place, opening up the possibility that they collect even more high-impact talent and, in the near future, emerge as the shrewd ambitious bet for which you've been looking.

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