Bodog Beat

Who ya gonna fade? The Pistons. Once among the elite teams in the Eastern Conference, Detroit is slipping toward mediocrity at 25-21 SU and 19-27 ATS. (AP Images)

Only Toronto and Washington have been more disappointing in the East this year. But this is part of a larger plan by Joe Dumars to build around young point guard Rodney Stuckey. He’s doing well at 18.0 points and 6.6 assists per 40 minutes, but he’s no Chauncey Billups. Yet.

Detroit has lost nine of its last 12 games both SU and ATS, and the road ahead could get even bumpier after Stuckey suffered a thigh contusion Sunday against the Cavaliers. He should be all right to play, but the Pistons will need a strong performance Wednesday against the visiting Miami Heat (26-21 SU, 22-23-2 ATS). Miami is 4-2 SU and ATS in its last six and getting four points (-105) at the Palace.

Be sure to get all your NBA picks in the Bodog Sportsbook before the game.