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With eight games to go, the Toronto Raptors are still fighting to seal a Top 6 spot, and that tight race could look a little different after tonight’s visit to the Detroit Pistons.
Detroit continues to compete despite Cade Cunningham’s absence, but my Raptors vs. Pistons predictions expect Scottie Barnes to make his mark on this matchup as Toronto looks for a third straight win.
Read on for my free NBA picks ahead of this March 31 clash.
Raptors vs Pistons prediction
Raptors vs Pistons best bet: Scottie Barnes Over 14.5 rebounds + assists (+102)
There’s a lot to like about the way Scottie Barnes is sparking a Toronto Raptors team that needs a strong finish to avoid play-in peril, and he’s a value pick for another do-it-all outing tonight.
Barnes has blown past this combo O/U number in each of his last four contests, and I see him repeating the trick against a Detroit Pistons team on the second night of a back-to-back set.
Barnes has flashed his passing skills ever since he came into the league, but he’s gone up another level lately, headlined by a 15-assist effort against the Orlando Magic on Sunday.
With Immanuel Quickley still out, Scottie is well placed for a fifth straight outing with double-digit dimes, and his playmaking allows Darko Rajakovic to turn to lineups without a traditional point guard.
He’ll be a factor on the glass, too, where he’s averaging 7.7 RPG this year, and that’ll be especially vital if Jalen Duren returns for the Pistons here after missing yesterday’s game in OKC.
Plus, Barnes finished with 10 rebounds and eight assists against Detroit earlier this month in another reminder that he belongs among the top two-way talents in the league.
The Raptors are still trying to prove they can beat the top teams in the East, and a monster stat line from Barnes is their best ticket to escaping with a victory tonight.
Raptors vs Pistons same-game parlay
With Barnes pulling the strings, Ja’Kobe Walter has cashed in some open looks from beyond the arc. Walter has knocked down 3+ triples in four of his last five contests, and he’s making his corner 3s at a 49% clip.
But I still see this game hitting the Under, which is 45-29 for the Raptors this season and 41-34 for the Pistons. Both teams rank in the Top 10 stingiest defenses, and there are some key bucket-getters on the injury report.
Raptors vs Pistons SGP
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Scottie Barnes Over 14.5 rebounds + assists
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Ja’Kobe Walter Over 1.5 3-pointers
Our “from downtown” SGP: Jump on Jenkins
Daniss Jenkins has embraced a bigger role without Cade Cunningham on the floor, and I see him putting up impressive numbers again here, despite a grueling battle with SGA last night.
Jenkins has dished 6+ dimes in five of his last six outings for the Pistons, who are 28-9 SU at Little Caesars Arena, and he’s shooting a steady 39% from downtown in March.
Raptors vs Pistons SGP
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Daniss Jenkins Over 15.5 points
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Daniss Jenkins Over 5.5 assists
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Daniss Jenkins Over 3.5 rebounds
Raptors vs Pistons odds
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Spread: Toronto +2.5 (-110) | Detroit -2.5 (-110)
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Moneyline: Toronto +125 | Detroit -150
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Over/Under: Over 220 (-110) | Under 220 (-110)
Raptors vs Pistons betting trend to know
The Pistons are 7-1 SU in their last eight matchups against the Raptors. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Pistons.
How to watch Raptors vs Pistons
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Location |
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI |
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Date |
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 |
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Tip-off |
8:00 p.m. ET |
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TV |
SN, FDSN-DTX |
Raptors vs Pistons latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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