Since snapping their 28-game losing streak on New Year's Eve, the Detroit Pistons have struggled to find their footing. With a 0-6 SU/2-4 ATS record and a discouraging net rating of -17.2, the team has failed to cover the spread by an average of 5.2 points per game. Adding to their woes, rookie sensation Cade Cunningham is sidelined with a knee injury, making the prospect of a Pistons' cover seem unlikely. However, their matchup against the Houston Rockets presents an enticing opportunity.

While the Rockets were once known as a covering machine, their recent performance has been lackluster. With a 5-9 SU and ATS record in their last 14 games, Houston's defensive efficiency has significantly dropped since losing Dillon Brooks to injury, ranking 20th in the league with a rating of 116.5. Furthermore, the absence of impactful defensive players like Tari Eason puts the Rockets at a disadvantage against Detroit tonight. These factors make the home underdog Pistons an appealing choice for bettors.

One shining light for the Pistons amidst their struggles has been their offense. Over the last six games, Detroit has displayed an improved offensive performance, averaging 115.3 points per 100 possessions in non-garbage time. This marks a significant improvement from their season average of 109.3, which placed them at the bottom of the league. Contributions from veterans like Bojan Bogdanovic, who has been averaging 20.2 points on 48.9% shooting from the floor, have aided this offensive resurgence.

While the market indicates some confidence in the Pistons' chances, with the number moving in their favor, caution remains wise. Instead of jumping on the bandwagon, a closer look at the Pistons' team total might be a more prudent approach. With Houston's weakened defense and Detroit's offensive improvement, it seems feasible to expect the Pistons to surpass a team total of 109.5 points tonight.

In other NBA news, the Memphis Grizzlies continue to face setbacks as Marcus Smart is set to miss at least six weeks due to a finger injury. Smart's absence exacerbates the Grizzlies' already depleted backcourt, and they now find themselves up against the formidable Los Angeles Clippers, who have been on a scorching streak.

With Wednesday night's victory, the Clippers improved to an impressive 16-3 SU/12-7 ATS since the start of December. Leading the league in net rating (+11.4) over this stretch, the Clippers have been consistently covering the spread by an average of 3.2 points per game. Barring any injuries, Kawhi Leonard is expected to be in the lineup tonight, further tilting the matchup in favor of the Clippers.

Tonight's game is a clear case of a battered and struggling Memphis team facing a powerhouse opponent at full strength. The Grizzlies, who have been plagued by injuries, have not fared well on their home court this season, with a record of 3-13 SU/4-12 ATS. Despite the potential boost of playing at home, Memphis faces an uphill battle against the streaking Clippers.

Lastly, the Utah Jazz have experienced a notable turnaround in recent games, particularly against teams with similar ratings. Going 12-4 SU and ATS in their last six games, the Jazz have been a dominant force, covering the spread by a league-best 9.4 points per game. Their home court advantage has played a significant role, with a spotless 6-0 record both SU and ATS, accompanied by an impressive +11.7 net rating. Tonight, they have the opportunity to extend their success as they host a fatigued Toronto Raptors team concluding a challenging road trip.

The Raptors arrive in Utah for their final stop on a grueling six-game west coast road trip, playing their third game in just four nights after demanding matchups against the Lakers and Clippers in Los Angeles. While Toronto has shown improvement since acquiring Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, this demanding schedule and the altitude pose significant challenges for the depleted team.

The betting market aligns with expectations, with the line steadily moving in favor of the Jazz. Despite a promising trend of high-scoring games involving the Raptors, this particular matchup presents a risky proposition due to the team's fatigue and challenging conditions. As such, it may be wiser to focus on the spot and bet against the Raptors' chances tonight.