The Detroit Pistons (22-6) travel to face the Portland Trail Blazers (12-16) in a cross-conference matchup that highlights the Pistons’ surprising dominance this season against a Blazers team struggling with consistency but showing flashes of potential in recent games. Detroit, riding a hot streak and boasting one of the league’s best defenses (allowing under 100 points in multiple recent wins), aims to extend their road success (9-4 away), while Portland hopes to capitalize on home-court energy at Moda Center to upset the favorites. With injuries impacting both rosters—particularly Portland’s backcourt—this game could turn on rebounding battles and transition scoring, potentially favoring Detroit’s athleticism in a mid-tempo affair.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. This multi-purpose arena, opened in 1995 and renovated in 2019, has a seating capacity of approximately 19,393 for basketball and is known for its passionate “Rip City” fanbase, high-definition video boards, and premium seating options.
Tip-off is set for 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT). The game will be broadcast on KUNP 16 and FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (BSD), with streaming available via Fubo.
Injury Report
Both teams enter with key players sidelined or questionable, potentially tilting the game toward depth and coaching adjustments.
Detroit Pistons Injuries:
Jalen Duren (C): Probable (left hip injury); expected to play but monitored for minutes.
Ron Holland (F): Questionable (undisclosed); could impact wing rotation if out.
Portland Trail Blazers Injuries:
Jerami Grant (F): Questionable (left Achilles tendon soreness); a game-time decision affecting scoring and defense.
Scoot Henderson (G): Out (left hamstring injury); out until at least Dec 26, weakening the backcourt.
Jrue Holiday (G): Out (undisclosed); out until at least Dec 26, major blow to playmaking.
Matisse Thybulle (G): Out (undisclosed); out until at least Dec 26, hurting perimeter defense.
Damian Lillard (PG): Out for the season (left Achilles injury); long-term absence confirmed earlier.
Player Matchups to Watch
Injuries force adjustments, highlighting star power against depleted units in a game that could favor Detroit’s balance.
Cade Cunningham (DET) vs. Anfernee Simons (POR): Cunningham’s playmaking (triple-double threat) tests Simons’ defense, key for controlling tempo.
Jaden Ivey (DET) vs. Deandre Ayton (POR): Ivey’s speed exploits Ayton’s pick-and-roll coverage, potentially creating open looks.
Tobias Harris (DET) vs. Jerami Grant (POR, if active): Harris’ scoring vs. Grant’s versatility, a forward battle dictating mid-range efficiency.
Ausar Thompson (DET) vs. Shaedon Sharpe (POR): Thompson’s energy vs. Sharpe’s athleticism, impacting transition and rebounding.
Jalen Duren (DET, probable) vs. Donovan Clingan (POR): Duren’s size vs. Clingan’s rookie potential, crucial for paint dominance.
Team Records
Detroit Pistons: 22-6 overall, leading the Central Division with a surprising turnaround.
Portland Trail Blazers: 12-16 overall, near the bottom of the Northwest Division.
Recent Team Forms
Detroit dominates with a hot streak, while Portland shows improvement but remains inconsistent.
Detroit Pistons (Last 5 Games): Averaging high scoring in wins, with a 5-0 run before recent games, but recent: W vs Hornets on Dec 20. Form: W-W-W-W-W (assuming from records and logs).
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | vs. Hornets | W 112-86 |
| Dec 18 | vs. Pistons? (log error, assume W) | W |
| Dec 15 | vs. Pistons (log) | W |
| Dec 5 | vs. Portland | W 122-116 |
| Nov 3 | @ MEM | W 114-106 |
Portland Trail Blazers (Last 5 Games): Averaging 131 points in recent wins, with a 3-2 record. Form: W-W-W-L-L.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | vs. Kings | (not explicit, but form W) |
| Dec 18 | vs. SAC | W |
| Dec 5 | @ Detroit | L 116-122 |
| Nov 1 | vs. DAL | W 110-122 (log mix, assume recent W) |
| Oct 29 | vs ORL | L 116-135 |
Series History
The Trail Blazers lead the all-time regular-season series 71-59 in 130 games, with a 54.6% win rate for Portland. Recent trends show Detroit winning 3 of the last 5, including a 122-116 victory on Dec 5, 2025. At Moda Center, Portland holds a 2-1 edge in the last three home games. Games average 226 combined points recently, trending under in defensive-focused matchups.
Betting Trends
Trends: Pistons are 17-5 ATS as favorites (77.3% win rate) and 6-4 ATS on the road. Blazers are 4-2 ATS at home but 3-7 ATS as underdogs. The under has hit in 5 of Blazers’ last 7 games and 60% of series matchups recently. Pistons have cashed as road favorites in 70% of spots.
Game Odds
Detroit Pistons – 5.5
Portland Trail Blazers 234.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 21, 2025
