This matchup features the surging Detroit Pistons hosting the Denver Nuggets in a cross-conference clash. The Pistons, leading the Eastern Conference, aim to extend their home dominance, while the Nuggets look to rebound from a recent loss and continue their road success.
Venue Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan.
This modern arena, opened in 2017, seats approximately 20,332 for basketball and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during Pistons’ winning streaks.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT / 12:00 AM GMT on February 4).
The game will be broadcast on FDSDET (FanDuel Sports Network Detroit) and ALT (Altitude Sports), with streaming available on NBA League Pass.
National viewers can access it via select cable providers or online platforms.
Injury Report
Denver Nuggets: Christian Braun (G) – Questionable (Left Ankle Sprain); Aaron Gordon (F) – Out (Right Hamstring Strain); Cameron Johnson (F) – Out (Right Knee Bone Bruise); Tamar Bates (G) – Out (Left Foot Surgery).
Gordon’s absence is significant, as he’s a key defender and rebounder; re-evaluation in 4-6 weeks. No updates on Nikola Jokic, who was probable recently but cleared.
Detroit Pistons: Caris LeVert (G) – Questionable (Illness); Tolu Smith (F) – Questionable (Calf).
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Several G-League assignments (e.g., Isaac Jones, Bobi Klintman) are out but not impacting the rotation. Cade Cunningham is probable after recent hip soreness but expected to play.
Key Player Matchups
Key individual battles could decide this game, given both teams’ star power and defensive schemes:
| Matchup | Nuggets Player | Pistons Player | Notes |
| Point Guard | Jamal Murray (22.5 PPG, 6.8 APG) | Cade Cunningham (23.4 PPG, 9.8 APG) | Cunningham’s playmaking vs. Murray’s scoring; both All-Stars, expect high-usage duels. |
| Shooting Guard | Christian Braun (if available, 12.3 PPG) or Julian Strawther | Jaden Ivey (18.2 PPG) | Speed and athleticism; Ivey’s explosiveness could exploit Nuggets’ backcourt depth issues. |
| Small Forward | Michael Porter Jr. (18.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG) | Tobias Harris (17.5 PPG) | Shooting threats; Porter’s range vs. Harris’ versatility in mid-range. |
| Power Forward | Peyton Watson (filling in, 11.4 PPG) | Isaiah Stewart (10.8 PPG, 7.5 RPG) | Rebounding battle; Watson steps up with Gordon out. |
| Center | Nikola Jokic (26.8 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 9.0 APG) | Jalen Duren (14.2 PPG, 11.3 RPG) | Premier matchup: Jokic’s triple-double threat vs. Duren’s athletic rim protection. Bench: Nuggets’ Russell Westbrook (energy) vs. Pistons’ Malik Beasley (shooting). |
Recent Team Forms
Denver Nuggets: 6-4 in their last 10 games, averaging 108.9 PPG while allowing 108.8 PPG.
They are on a six-game road win streak but lost their last home game to OKC (111-121). Key wins: vs. Clippers (122-109), at Bucks (102-100). Struggles against top teams like Lakers and Thunder highlight defensive inconsistencies without Gordon.
Detroit Pistons: 8-2 in their last 10 games, averaging 118.2 PPG while holding opponents to 104.3 PPG.
Dominant recently, including a franchise-record 130-77 rout of Brooklyn and a 131-124 win at Golden State. Sole losses: at Phoenix (96-114) and earlier setbacks. They’ve won 23 of their last 28 as favorites, showcasing elite defense (top-5 in league).
Series History
The all-time series is close, with the Pistons leading 53-49 in 102 regular-season meetings.
Recent history favors Denver, who won 5 of the last 7 at Little Caesars Arena.
However, Detroit snapped a streak with a 109-107 upset win in Denver on January 27, 2026, led by Cunningham’s 22 points.
Nuggets have won the last three in Detroit prior to that. No playoff meetings in this matchup.
Betting Trends
Nuggets: 24-25-1 ATS overall; 15-11 ATS on road; 7-1 ATS as road underdogs. Over in 6 of last 10. Pistons: 26-21-1 ATS overall; 14-14 ATS as favorites by 4+ points; 23-5 SU as favorites by -180 or more. Under in 7 of last 10 home games.
Game Odds
Denver Nuggets 229.5
Detroit Pistons -5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 2, 2026
