Tip-off: Friday, 8:05 p.m. ET
Line: Chicago -9.0, Total: 196.0

The Bulls continue to fight for a higher seed in the playoffs when they host the Pistons on Friday.

The Pistons went into Charlotte on Wednesday and lost 102-78 as 5.5-point road underdogs. Detroit has now lost two of its past three games both SU and ATS. Prior to its game with the Hornets going Under the total, the Pistons had played six straight games that went Over. The Bulls went into Milwaukee and lost 95-91 as 5-point road favorites. Chicago had won-and-covered in three straight games and five of its previous six before that loss. The team had 20 turnovers in the game and it was the first time it had more than 12 in a single contest since Mar. 11. The Bulls have dominated the Pistons in Chicago over the years, winning 17 of the past 20 games played between these teams at United Center. Chicago is 12-7-1 ATS in those games as well. The Pistons are 12-4 ATS after having lost two of their past three games this season. They also face a Chicago team that is 8-19 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points over the past three seasons. The Bulls are, however, 25-9 ATS when revenging a loss of 10 points or more versus an opponent over the past two seasons. PG Spencer Dinwiddie (Achilles) is doubtful for Detroit, which is already without PF Greg Monroe (Knee) and PG Brandon Jennings (Achilles) either indefinitely or for the season. Chicago will be without PG Derrick Rose (Knee) indefinitely and PG Kirk Hinrich (Knee) and SF Doug McDermott (Back) are questionable for this one.

Can the Bulls beat the Pistons in Chicago Friday? For the answer, connect to The Platinum Sheet for all the Expert picks throughout the entire 2014-15 season. StatFox Forecaster has a strong 54% ATS record (193-166-2) in featured games this season. In terms of Best Bets, the experts have a huge 60% ATS (193-130-4) record since Jan. 2, led by StatFox Brian who has a lofty 61% ATS (25-16-1) mark in Best Bets since Feb. 4, and is now 57% ATS (64-48-1) in season Best Bets. StatFox Gary has a strong 55% ATS (36-29-1) mark in NBA Best Bets since Jan. 1, and is 55% ATS (61-51-1) this season. StatFox Scott is also sizzling with a 60% ATS record (43-29-1) in Best Bets since Dec. 21, improving his record to 55% ATS (62-50-1) for the season. StatFox Dave is a scorching 65% ATS (30-16) in NBA Best Bets since Jan. 28, while StatFox Zach is a robust 64% ATS (41-23-1) in NBA Best Bets since Jan. 2.

The Pistons have lost two of their past three games and will now look to earn a road victory over the Bulls. PG Reggie Jackson (14.0 PPG, 5.5 APG, 4.4 RPG) has played very well for this Detroit team lately, averaging 21.2 PPG, 9.4 APG and 6.6 RPG over the past five games. He had 22 points and 11 assists in his only meeting with the Bulls this season and must use his athleticism and size to disrupt a weak group of Chicago point guards. SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (12.6 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.1 SPG) is an extremely inconsistent player for this Pistons team, but he must play well in this one. The guard had just two points against Charlotte last game and was in foul trouble throughout. He must stay disciplined on the defensive end in this one because he will really need to bring his solid outside shooting (33% 3PT) to the table Friday. C Andre Drummond (13.6 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 1.8 BPG) is this team’s best and most consistent player. He is a force inside and is averaging 20.8 PPG, 12.6 RPG and 1.2 BPG over the past five contests. He will need to be extremely active in this game and make his presence felt on the glass and around the rim defensively.

The Bulls lost to Milwaukee last game, but SG Jimmy Butler (20.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.7 SPG) did play like his pre-injury self in that one. Butler finished the game with 25 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals in 41 minutes. He’ll need to continue to be a force offensively with Rose rehabbing his knee. PF Nikola Mirotic (9.9 PPG, 5.0 RPG) has just six points and six boards in 23 minutes against Milwaukee. He had been on fire until that game and will also be counted on to step it up offensively for this team. He was 0-for-5 from three against the Bucks and must knock some down from the outside against Detroit. PF Pau Gasol (18.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.9 BPG) has played well against the Pistons this season, averaging 18.7 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.3 APG and 2.3 BPG in three meetings with the team. With Monroe out for the Pistons, Detroit won’t have anybody with the size to really disrupt Gasol. He should be in for a big night on Friday. C Joakim Noah (7.5 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.2 BPG) has also played very well against Detroit this season, averaging 9.7 PPG, 13.7 RPG and 5.7 APG in three meetings with the team. He’ll need to be ready to play in this game because his matchup with Andre Drummond will come a long way in determining who wins this game.