It was a long time coming but a 96-90 win by the Toronto Raptors finally got The Big Dog back in the winners’ circle. With today’s eight-game schedule providing nothing of interest, in terms of results markets, focus shifts back to player performance and The Big Dog has one particular player in the spotlight.
Detroit Pistons @ Orlando Magic
With four games remaining and a lead of two games on the Chicago Bulls for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons are beginning to look safe as a playoff team. To further strengthen their position, they will need to play better than they have on the road, in general (16-23), when they travel to Orlando to face the Magic. Orlando have already been eliminated from playoff contention (33-44) but have managed a respectable record at home (21-17). This is exactly the kind of game that the Pistons have made a habit of losing and so, The Big Dog is looking to the form of a player that is just as likely to fill the box score, regardless of the result. Before the last two games (both on the road), Reggie Jackson had not reached 20 points since March 12th. The Pistons have split their last two games but Jackson has amassed 43 points, despite only shooting 12 of 35 from the floor. His performance from the charity stripe has been the main factor behind his increased contribution. Jackson has made 16 of his 18 free throws in the last pair of outings, after taking (and making) only 20 free-throws in the previous seven games. Jackson has also found success in setting up his teammates, against the Magic. His average of 8.0 assists is only exceeded by his performances against Phoenix (11.5) and Houston (8.5). With his liking for driving to the basket apparently back, The Big Dog thinks Reggie Jackson is well-positioned to go over the line for points and assists. This should lead to a win for Detroit… but then again… this is the Pistons, on the road.
Selection
Reggie Jackson Over 23.5 (Player A Points + Assists) @ $1.87 (Sportsbet)
Tools
Results Spreadsheet
