New Orleans Pelicans vs Detroit Pistons Prediction & Picks - NBA
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by Erik Gibbs | in NBA Picks
The Detroit Pistons head south to Louisiana tonight to face the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, and this matchup features two teams moving in completely opposite directions. Detroit owns the best record in the Eastern Conference at 31-10, while New Orleans has endured a brutal campaign and enters play at just 10-35.
The Pistons continue to establish themselves as one of the league's most consistent and disciplined teams. They have won eight of their last 10 games overall and are chasing a fourth straight victory after edging the Boston Celtics in a tense 104-103 home win on Monday. That performance was a perfect snapshot of Detroit's identity this season: efficient offense paired with elite defense and strong late-game execution.
Offensively, Detroit averages 117.3 points per game, ranking 11th in the NBA. While that number may not jump off the page compared to some high-octane teams, their efficiency sets them apart. The Pistons shoot 47.9% from the field, sixth-best in the league, and rarely waste possessions.
Defense has been the foundation of Detroit's rise. Allowing just 110.1 points per game, the Pistons rank third league-wide and have been especially effective at closing out games. Their ability to contest shots without fouling and control the defensive glass has made them extremely difficult to beat, even on the road.
In contrast, the Pelicans are stuck in a prolonged slump with no easy answers in sight. New Orleans has lost 13 of its last 15 games and is coming off a 119-110 road loss to Houston on Sunday. While the Pelicans have shown flashes offensively, consistency has been nonexistent, and defensive breakdowns continue to pile up.
For the season, New Orleans ranks 21st in scoring at 114.9 points per game. They push the pace and rank ninth in field goal attempts, but efficiency has been a major issue. Shooting just 20th in field goal percentage, too many possessions end with contested jumpers or rushed attempts late in the shot clock. Those inefficiencies are magnified by a defense that allows 122.2 points per game, ranking 28th in the league.
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New Orleans Pelicans vs Detroit Pistons Form
Table
| Teams | % | P | W | L | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3
|
0.732 | 82 | 60 | 22 | 3 |
|
23
|
0.317 | 82 | 26 | 56 |
New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons Latest Matches
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
Jan 18, 2026 - NBA
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1/6 (17%)
5/6 (83%)
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1/6 (17%)
5/6 (83%)
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5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
Jan 19, 2026 - NBA
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5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
Jan 19, 2026 - NBA
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4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
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New Orleans Pelicans against Detroit Pistons : Head to Head (H2H)
67 %
33 %
Mar 23, 2025 - NBA
Mar 17, 2025 - NBA
Mar 24, 2024 - NBA
Nov 2, 2023 - NBA
Feb 1, 2022 - NBA
Dec 10, 2021 - NBA
Players list
J. Fears
T. Murphy III
S. Bey
Z. Williamson
D. Jenkins
T. Harris
D. Robinson
Substitutes
M. Peavy
J. Hawkins
J. Poole
K. Looney
J. Ivey
M. Sasser
R. Holland
P. Reed
New Orleans Pelicans - Detroit Pistons Key Points
- The Over is 0-5 in the Pistons' last 5 games
- The Over is 3-2 in the Pels' last 5 games
- The Pistons are 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games
- The Pels are 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games
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Our New Orleans Pelicans vs Detroit Pistons Prediction
Injuries have only added to the Pelicans' struggles. Jose Alvarado and Dejounte Murray remain sidelined, while Herbert Jones is questionable. Detroit is in far better shape health-wise, though Caris LeVert is listed as questionable with illness. Even if LeVert can't go, the Pistons still have enough depth and two-way balance to maintain their defensive intensity and steady scoring for long stretches.
This matchup heavily favors the visitors. Detroit is confident, disciplined, and playing at a high level on both ends of the floor, especially in late-game situations where their defense consistently travels. New Orleans, meanwhile, continues to search for stability while dealing with key absences and defensive issues that have been hard to cover up, particularly against efficient offenses.
The Pistons were always going to be significant favorites in this spot, and given the current form of both teams, Detroit looks well-positioned to control the game early, win the rebounding battle, and force the Pelicans into tough half-court possessions. If the Pistons set the tone in the first quarter, this has all the makings of a comfortable road win tonight. Our prediction for New Orleans Pelicans vs. Detroit Pistons: Under 232.5 points.
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