NBA Basketball Picks: Detroit vs. Minnesota

Allen Iverson and the Detroit Pistons look to avoid their third straight loss tonight when they visit the surprising Minnesota Timberwolves. (AP Images)"]

The Pistons are 20-19 since sending Chauncey Billups to Denver for Iverson, and they've played especially poorly recently, losing eight of 11. Iverson is averaging a career-low 17.6 points since joining the Pistons, who seem to be struggling to find a role for him. He's also playing a career-low 37.8 minutes per game.

The Pistons need to capitalize tonight because they have home games against Boston and Cleveland beginning Friday.

The Timberwolves, who are 1-point underdogs, have been on a tear this month, going 10-2 (9-2-1 ATS), including three straight wins.

Minnesota beat the Pistons 106-80 on Nov. 23 and will be trying to sweep the season series for the first time since 2003-04. The over is 9-0 in the Timberwolves’ last nine home games.