Cade Cunningham is the star player leading the Detroit Pistons, but this season, Jalen Duren has been making a huge impact too. At just 22 years old, Duren has achieved a career-high average of 18.8 points per game and is emerging as a strong NBA All-Star contender. Standing 6-foot-10 and weighing 250 pounds, he plays a major role in Detroit’s impressive 19-5 record, which is the best in the Eastern Conference and second-best league-wide.
If you haven’t caught Duren in action this season, you’ll have the opportunity on Friday when the Pistons face the Atlanta Hawks at Little Caesars Arena. Duren’s athleticism has been evident for some time, and his strong defensive presence, alongside Cunningham, helps rank the Pistons fourth in the NBA for defensive rating (111.3). Detroit has already defeated Atlanta twice this season, and though the Hawks have lost three out of their last four, they come into this game after a commanding 15-point win against the Wizards. The Pistons are favored to win by 7.5 points.
Friday’s main event is the Pistons versus the Hawks, but there are plenty of other sports options, including seven NBA matches and 13 college basketball games. Here are some game highlights and betting insights for Friday, December 12th.
NBA Recommendations
Hawks vs. Pistons: Game starts at 7pm in Detroit, broadcast on NBA TV and streaming on Fubo (free trial). SportsLine suggests Hawks at +234. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic lead the MVP race, but Cunningham is also a top contender, ranking second in assists and 11th in points per game. Atlanta has shown strong offensive potential recently, but Detroit still holds a solid edge.
Timberwolves vs. Warriors: Game begins at 10pm in San Francisco, on NBA TV and Fubo (free trial). SportsLine recommends betting on total points over 230.5, with expert Matt Severance favoring the Warriors -120. Steph Curry returns after an injury, while Anthony Edwards’ status is uncertain, which could impact the game significantly.
College Basketball Recommendations
Missouri State vs. Xavier: At 7pm in Cincinnati, on TrueTV and streaming on Fubo (free trial). SportsLine suggests Missouri +17.5, while expert Bruce Marshall recommends Xavier -18.5. Xavier is on a winning streak and led by Tre Carroll, recently named Big East Player of the Week, while Missouri State has struggled on the road and with shooting accuracy.
Texas vs. Connecticut: Game at 8pm in Hartford, on Fox and Fubo (free trial). SportsLine calls for a total score over 145.5, with expert Chip Patterson backing Texas +13.5. Connecticut, ranked fifth nationally, faces a coaching matchup against Sean Miller, Texas’s coach, and both teams are expected to put up a high-scoring game.
Upcoming College Football Highlight
- Army vs. Navy: Scheduled for Saturday at 3pm in Baltimore on CBS and Fubo (free trial). SportsLine and expert Mike Tierney predict a high-scoring game with a total score over 38.5. Navy boasts one of the top offensive lines nationally, and Army has increased their offensive pace, suggesting a potential point explosion in this traditional rivalry.
Fan Take: Jalen Duren’s breakout season adds a fresh dynamic to the Pistons, showcasing the rise of young talent in the NBA East. His development alongside Cade Cunningham could signal the beginning of a new competitive era for Detroit, exciting basketball fans looking for emerging stars and team rivalries to follow.
