76ers visit Pistons and the NBA's top defense in East's top-two clash

The Philadelphia 76ers (7-1), owners of the East's best record, visit the Detroit Pistons (6-1) and the NBA's top defense on Wednesday, November 4, at 7 p.m. ET, with a four-game winning streak.

Detroit allows 100.4 points per 100 possessions and holds opponents to a 48.4% effective field goal rate, first in the league in both. Philadelphia's offense ranks 20th at 108.6 per 100.

Philadelphia protects the ball, turning it over on 11% of possessions, fewest in the league. The Pistons force turnovers on 15.7%, third, and the 76ers rank 23rd in effective field goal percentage.

On defense, the 76ers are nearly as good, with a rating of 103, second in the league. Detroit scores 112 per 100, 14th, and plays at the league's 24th-ranked pace.

Tyrese Maxey leads Philadelphia with 29.1 points a game on 50.3% shooting, and Joel Embiid's 9.2 rebounds are the team's best. Cade Cunningham averages 23.7 points and 7.1 assists for Detroit, both team highs.

Jalen Duren, the Pistons' leading rebounder at 7.5 a game, is out and expected back Monday, November 9. Isaiah Joe is also out, and Elijah Harkless, who plays 19.3 minutes, is questionable. Detroit ranks 20th in defensive rebounding and faces Embiid without Duren.

Forward Dominick Barlow and center Ariel Hukporti are out for the 76ers. Barlow is expected back Thursday, November 12.

Detroit won the first meeting 106-93 in Philadelphia, the 76ers' only loss. They have won four straight since, including 98-93 over the Knicks and 114-109 at Indiana. Detroit has won three in a row, the latest a 124-91 rout at Charlotte.

Sportsbook prices give the Pistons a 54% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, puts it at 71%, with a 6.8-point margin.