Lakers vs. Pistons Recap: Fast Start Holds, Four Props Cash

The Lakers beat the Pistons 121-116 in Detroit, and they did it from the front. Los Angeles opened with a 38-14 first quarter, built a lead as big as 26, and never trailed. Detroit fought back with 19 made threes and a 35-point fourth quarter, but the early hole was too deep. Four DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game, all of them player props.

What cashed

Daniss Jenkins 3+ assists (-348 at DraftKings): CASHED - Our read: Jenkins had 3+ assists in 9 of his last 10 and 7 of 8 this season, and we expected a heavy backcourt workload. - What happened: He finished with 4 assists to go with 31 points, 5 rebounds and 8-15 from three in 32 minutes. He led Detroit in scoring. - Worth watching: The usage is real. When he is playing 30-plus minutes, a low assist line like this stays in play, though the price will stay steep.

Duncan Robinson 12+ points (-287 at DraftKings): CASHED - Our read: Robinson had 12+ points in 9 of his last 10 and 8 of 8 this season, with plenty of wing shots available. - What happened: He scored exactly 12 in 27 minutes on 4-12 shooting and 3-11 from three. That cleared the line by half a point, so this one was tight. - Worth watching: The volume carried it on an off shooting night. As long as he keeps getting double-digit three-point attempts, the floor is solid.

Duncan Robinson 2+ assists (-245 at FanDuel): CASHED - Our read: Robinson had 2+ assists in 9 of 10 and 8 of 8 this season, and we expected his minutes to hold. - What happened: He handed out 3 assists, clearing the line by 1.5. - Worth watching: A quiet, steady prop. It pairs naturally with his points line because both lean on the same minutes.

Ziaire Williams 9+ points (-114 at FanDuel): CASHED - Our read: Williams cleared 9+ points in 8 of his last 10 and 16 of his last 20. At -114 (53% implied) we had it closer to 76% from recent games. - What happened: He scored 17 in 21 minutes, shooting 6-10 and 4-8 from three. He cleared the number by 8.5. - Worth watching: This was the best price on the card and the biggest margin. Role-player scoring lines at near-even money are where the value sat tonight.

How the game played out

The Lakers won the paint 58-46 and got to the line 33 times to Detroit's 20. Austin Reaves led everyone with 43 points. Walker Kessler added 12 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists. The Pistons won the second, third and fourth quarters, but the 24-point first-quarter gap decided it.

Trends to watch

• Detroit attempted 48 threes. Shooting props for Pistons guards stay live when the volume is that high.
• Reaves took 27 shots. His points line is worth checking whenever the Lakers lean on him like this.
• Kessler posted 16 rebounds and 4 assists in 29 minutes, which makes his rebound and combo lines worth a look.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. New to the terms? See player prop, implied probability and american odds.