Let's start with a look at the Pistons habit for game 3 on the road when they're up 2-0 in a playoff series. A must-win situation for the opponent, in other words. Most recent first:

- 93-77 @ ORL

2006:
- 77-86 @ CLE
- 104-124 @ MIL

2005:
- 104-115 @ PHI

2004:
- 64-82 @ NJN

2003:
- 83-93 @ PHI

2002:
- 84-94 @ TOR

No other games qualify for the new millennium.

The record is 1-6 ATS and SU, with the one win coming this season against ORL. The average margin in the six losses was a whopping 12.5 pts. Can one emphatic win wipe out a habit that seems to be deeply ingrained? The core of the Pistons team has remained the same for the past years, which supports reliance on such a habit. DET, it seems, is wise enough to let the other team get the frustration out of their system in a must win situation.

Meanwhile, Chicago has played four straight road games. They are ready for some home cooking. CHI has been impressive at home recently. They are 4-0-1 for their L5, with an average MOV of 20 pts (including an 18 pt win over the defending champs, and a 31 pt win over the Nets).

Take CHI -2.5

I love this type of analysis. thanks for the work.............................