The Detroit Pistons (31-10) head to New Orleans to face the struggling Pelicans (10-35) in a matchup that pits one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams against the Western Conference’s bottom dweller. The Pistons enter on a three-game winning streak, showcasing elite defense and balanced scoring, while the Pelicans have lost eight of their last 10 games amid injuries and inconsistent play. This game could highlight Detroit’s depth against New Orleans’ reliance on star power like Zion Williamson. Expect a lopsided affair unless the Pelicans’ home crowd sparks an upset.
Venue Location
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT).
These records reflect Detroit’s dominant season so far, leading the East, while New Orleans sits at the bottom of the West.
Recent Team Forms
Detroit Pistons: The Pistons are rolling, winners of their last three games and 8-2 in their past 10. They’ve emphasized stifling defense, holding opponents under 105 points in four of their last five outings.
Key recent results:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 19, 2026 | vs. Boston Celtics | W | 104-103 |
| Jan 17, 2026 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W | 121-78 |
| Jan 15, 2026 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W | 108-105 |
| Jan 10, 2026 | vs. LA Clippers | L | 92-98 |
| Jan 5, 2026 | vs. New York Knicks | W | 121-90 |
| Jan 4, 2026 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W | 114-110 |
| Jan 1, 2026 | vs. Miami Heat | L | 112-118 |
Detroit’s form shows resilience in close games and blowouts alike, with a focus on low-turnover basketball.
New Orleans Pelicans: The Pelicans are in a tailspin, going 2-8 in their last 10 games with poor offensive efficiency and defensive lapses. They’ve struggled to score over 110 points in half of those contests. Recent results:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 18, 2026 | @ Houston Rockets | L | 110-119 |
| Jan 16, 2026 | @ Indiana Pacers | L | 119-127 |
| Jan 7, 2026 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L | 100-117 |
| Jan 6, 2026 | vs. LA Lakers | L | 103-111 |
| Jan 4, 2026 | @ Miami Heat | L | 106-125 |
| Jan 2, 2026 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L | 109-122 |
New Orleans has been outscored by an average of 15 points in losses, highlighting their depth issues.
Injury Report
Detroit Pistons:
Caris LeVert: Questionable (Illness)
Isaac Jones, Bobi Klintman, Chaz Lanier, Wendell Moore Jr., Tolu Smith: Out (G League assignments – not expected to impact rotation)
The Pistons are mostly healthy, with no major rotation players sidelined.
New Orleans Pelicans:
Herbert Jones: Questionable (Right Ankle Sprain)
Jose Alvarado: Out (Left Oblique Strain)
Dejounte Murray: Out (Right Achilles Rupture – out until at least February)
Trey Alexander, Hunter Dickinson: Out (G League assignments)
The Pelicans’ backcourt is depleted without Murray and Alvarado, putting extra pressure on Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III.
Key
Player Matchups
This game features several intriguing battles, particularly with Detroit’s versatile defenders facing New Orleans’ athletic forwards. Key matchups to watch:
Cade Cunningham (DET) vs. Jordan Hawkins or CJ McCollum (NOP): Cunningham, averaging 26.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 9.8 APG, is Detroit’s engine. With Murray out, the Pelicans may rely on Hawkins or McCollum to contain his playmaking. Cunningham’s size and vision could exploit New Orleans’ weakened guard rotation.
Ausar Thompson (DET) vs. Zion Williamson (NOP): Thompson’s elite defense (1.5 SPG, 0.8 BPG) will be tested against Williamson’s explosive drives (22.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG). This athletic showdown could dictate the paint, where Zion thrives but Detroit ranks top-5 in points allowed inside.
Tobias Harris (DET) vs. Trey Murphy III (NOP): Harris (efficient scoring at 18+ PPG) faces Murphy’s perimeter shooting (35% from three). If Jones is out for New Orleans, Harris could dominate mismatches.
Jalen Duren (DET) vs. Yves Missi (NOP): A battle of young bigs, with Duren’s rebounding edge (10+ RPG) potentially overwhelming Missi’s raw athleticism.
Detroit’s depth gives them advantages across the board, but Williamson’s star power could keep it competitive if he exploits slower matchups.
Series History
The Pelicans hold a 30-19 all-time edge over the Pistons in 49 regular-season meetings. However, Detroit has won the last two encounters, including a 136-130 thriller on March 23, 2025, and a 127-81 blowout on March 17, 2025. In their most recent games, the Pistons have dominated defensively, holding New Orleans under 100 points once. Over the last 10 head-to-heads, scores have trended high, with seven games exceeding 220 total points.
Betting Trends
Spread: Detroit is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games but 1-4 ATS as a road favorite of 5-10.5 points.
Over/Under: The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Detroit’s last 8 games and 6 of New Orleans’ last 7 home games.
Other Trends: Pelicans are 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games; Pistons are 16-0 on the 4Q under in their last 16 games (+16 units ROI).
Game Odds
Detroit Pistons – 9.5
New Orleans Pelicans 235.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 20, 2026
