The Detroit Pistons, one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams with a potent offense averaging 118.2 PPG, hit the road to face the struggling Los Angeles Clippers, who have won just three of their last 10 but show signs of life with Kawhi Leonard’s scoring. Detroit’s balanced attack and depth could overwhelm a Clippers squad dealing with injuries and poor home form (5-9 at Intuit Dome), but L.A.’s recent defensive improvements might keep it competitive if they exploit Pistons’ occasional turnover issues.
Venue Location
Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California. This state-of-the-art 18,000-capacity arena, opened in 2024, serves as the Clippers’ home and is designed for optimal fan experience with advanced tech and acoustics, though L.A.’s 5-9 home record tempers the advantage.
Tipoff is set for 6:00 PM PT (9:00 PM ET). The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (Pistons) and FanDuel Sports Network SoCal (Clippers), with radio on 97.1 FM The Ticket (Pistons) and AM 570 KLAC (Clippers).
Injury Report
Official reports were not fully submitted as of December 27 afternoon, but based on recent updates:
Detroit Pistons:
Ron Holland II (G/F): Questionable (Undisclosed) – Missed recent practice but could play.
Isaac Jones (F): Out (G League assignment) – Not expected to impact rotation.
No other major injuries reported; key players like Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris played full minutes in the December 26 loss to Utah.
Los Angeles Clippers:
Ivica Zubac (C): Out (Left ankle sprain, Grade 2) – Sidelined at least three weeks after injury on December 20 vs. Lakers.
Bogdan Bogdanovic (G/F): Out (Undisclosed) – Ruled out for remainder of December 26 game and likely misses this one.
Kawhi Leonard (F): Probable (General soreness) – Expected to play after scoring 28 in recent win.
Other depth pieces like Moussa Cisse (Questionable, G League) may not factor in.
Clippers’ frontcourt is thinned without Zubac, forcing reliance on Mo Bamba or backups, while Pistons’ health gives them an edge.
Key Player Matchups
Assuming standard lineups adjusted for injuries, this interconference clash highlights Detroit’s youth and athleticism against L.A.’s veteran savvy. Pistons’ perimeter dominance could exploit Clippers’ guard depth issues.
Cade Cunningham (DET PG) vs. Chris Paul (LAC PG): Cunningham (26.5 PPG, 9.6 APG) brings size and scoring; Paul’s experience (playmaking) could disrupt, but Cunningham’s athletic edge favors Detroit in transition.
Tobias Harris (DET SF) vs. Kawhi Leonard (LAC SF): Harris (16 PPG, 7 RPG) vs. Leonard (season-high 32 recently). Leonard’s two-way play gives Clippers hope, but Harris’ efficiency (recent 24-point game) tests L.A.’s defense.
Jalen Duren (DET C) vs. Mo Bamba (LAC C) – With Zubac Out: Duren (double-double threat, 26-10 vs. Blazers) dominates rebounds against Bamba’s shot-blocking, creating second-chance opportunities for Detroit.
Jaden Ivey (DET SG) vs. Norman Powell (LAC SG): Ivey’s speed vs. Powell’s shooting; Ivey could exploit Clippers’ perimeter D, which allows 37% from three.
Ausar Thompson (DET F) vs. Derrick Jones Jr. (LAC F): Thompson’s defense stifles wings; Jones’ athleticism matches up, but Thompson’s versatility edges out.
Pistons hold advantages in most positions, especially inside without Zubac.
Recent Team Forms
Pistons are 7-3 in last 10, with strong road wins but a recent close loss. Clippers are 3-7, but on a three-game win streak fueled by defense.
Detroit Pistons (7-3 in last 10):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Dec 26 | @ Jazz | L | 129-131 |
| Dec 23 | @ Kings | W | 136-127 |
| Dec 22 | vs. Blazers | W | 110-102 |
| Dec 20 | vs. Knicks | W | 115-110 |
| Dec 18 | @ Bulls | W | 120-105 |
| Dec 15 | vs. Heat | L | 112-115 |
| Dec 13 | @ Magic | W | 118-110 |
| Dec 10 | vs. 76ers | W | 125-120 |
| Dec 7 | @ Nets | L | 105-110 |
| Dec 5 | vs. Cavaliers | W | 122-115 |
Averaging 119.0 PPG in wins, but allowing 118.3 in losses; road form strong (4-1 last 5 away).
Los Angeles Clippers (3-7 in last 10):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Dec 26 | @ Blazers | W | 119-103 |
| Dec 23 | vs. Rockets | W | 128-108 |
| Dec 20 | vs. Lakers | W | 103-88 |
| Dec 18 | @ Thunder | L | 101-122 |
| Dec 15 | vs. Grizzlies | L | 98-107 |
| Dec 13 | @ Suns | L | 105-115 |
| Dec 10 | @ Rockets | L | 110-120 |
| Dec 7 | vs. Mavericks | L | 105-115 |
| Dec 5 | @ Grizzlies | L | 98-107 |
| Dec 3 | vs. Kings | L | 112-118 |
Averaging 110.7 PPG lately, with defense allowing under 100 in recent wins; home streak (3-0) provides momentum.
Series History
Pistons lead all-time 73-55 over 128 games. In last 10 meetings, Clippers are 6-4 SU, with games averaging 218.5 points (over in 6 of 10). Detroit won last encounter 115-123 on March 5, 2025, but Clippers took February 24, 2025, 110-105. Pistons 4-1 SU in last five at L.A., but Clippers cover ATS in close games (5-5 last 10 head-to-head).
Betting Trends
Spread: Detroit 17-13-1 ATS overall; 8-7-1 on road. Clippers 12-18 ATS, but 3-0 ATS during win streak.
Over/Under: Over in 5 of Pistons’ last 7 road; under in 4 of Clippers’ last 6 home). Head-to-head: over in 6/10.
Other Trends: Pistons 7-3 ATS last 10; 4-1 ATS as road favorites >-5. Clippers 1-6 ATS in games decided by <3 points. December: Pistons 6-2 SU in Dec road games; Clippers 3-5 ATS at home.
Game Odds
Detroit Pistons – 2.5
Los Angeles Clippers 223.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, December 27, 2025
