The San Antonio Spurs (40-16) visit the Detroit Pistons (42-13) in a marquee interconference matchup on Monday, February 23, 2026. The Spurs, second in the Western Conference and riding an eight-game winning streak, face the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons, who have won five straight. This clash features two of the NBA’s hottest teams, with Detroit’s balanced attack clashing against San Antonio’s elite defense and scoring led by Victor Wembanyama. Despite Detroit’s superior record and home advantage, the Spurs enter as slight underdogs in what could be a defensive battle, given both teams’ top-10 defensive ratings. Below is a detailed preview, including key factors and betting insights.
Venue Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan.
This 20,491-capacity arena, home to the Pistons since 2017, is known for its passionate crowd and has been a fortress for Detroit (21-6 home record this season).
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT).
The game will air on Peacock, with radio coverage on SiriusXM, WWJ (Detroit), and WOAI (San Antonio).
Injury Report
Injuries could impact both teams, with San Antonio dealing with multiple absences in the frontcourt and backcourt, potentially weakening their depth. Detroit’s key suspension removes a defensive anchor.
- San Antonio Spurs:
- Out: David Jones Garcia (Ankle – Out for Season).
- Out: Mason Plumlee (Reconditioning – Expected out until at least Feb 23).
- GTD: Lindy Waters III (Knee).
- The absences remove rebounding and perimeter depth, forcing reliance on Victor Wembanyama and young guards.
- Detroit Pistons:
- Out: Isaiah Stewart (Suspension – Out until at least Mar 3).
- Out: Isaac Jones (Undisclosed).
- Stewart’s suspension weakens Detroit’s interior defense, potentially exposing them to Wembanyama’s scoring.
Key
Player Matchups
This game features star-powered clashes, though injuries shift some dynamics.
- Victor Wembanyama (SAS) vs. Jalen Duren (DET): Wembanyama (24.2 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.8 BPG) dominates with versatility; Duren (rebounding specialist) must anchor without Stewart, making this a key paint battle.
- Cade Cunningham (DET) vs. Chris Paul (SAS): Cunningham (25.7 PPG, 9.7 APG) leads Detroit’s offense; Paul (veteran playmaker) disrupts with defense, potentially limiting Cunningham’s drives.
- Devin Vassell (SAS) vs. Ausar Thompson (DET): Vassell (scoring wing) exploits mismatches; Thompson (defensive standout) could contain him, deciding perimeter efficiency.
- Other Notes: Keldon Johnson (SAS) adds scoring vs. Detroit’s wings; Tobias Harris (DET) provides veteran presence inside without Stewart.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams are surging, with San Antonio on an eight-game win streak and Detroit winning five straight.
Here’s a summary of their last five games:
| Team | Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| SAS | Feb 21, 2026 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 139-122 | Wembanyama double-double; Eighth straight win. |
| SAS | Feb 19, 2026 | @ Utah Jazz | W (assumed from streak) | Efficient offense; Defense limits opponents to 112 PPG in streak. |
| SAS | Feb 11, 2026 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W | Balanced scoring; 9-1 in last 10 overall. |
| SAS | Feb 7, 2026 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W | Strong road win; 7-3 ATS in last 10. |
| SAS | Feb 4, 2026 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W | Won 5 of last 5 at home; Averaging 118.6 PPG. |
| DET | Feb 21, 2026 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 126-110 | Cunningham triple-double threat; Fifth straight win. |
| DET | Feb 19, 2026 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 110-101 | Solid defense; 8-2 in last 10. |
| DET | Feb 11, 2026 | @ Washington Wizards | W | Efficient shooting; Min. replies 10+ in wins. |
| DET | Feb 9, 2026 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | W | Home dominance; 21-6 at Little Caesars. |
| DET | Feb 7, 2026 | @ Indiana Pacers | W | Won 4 of last 5 on road; Averaging 117.6 PPG. |
San Antonio is 9-1 in their last 10, averaging 118.6 PPG while allowing 112.0. Detroit is 8-2 in their last 10, with a league-best 109.3 PPG allowed.
Series History
The Spurs lead the all-time regular-season series 65-39 in 104 games.
San Antonio has won 14 of the last 20 meetings.
Recent: Spurs won 125-110 on Feb 21, 2025; Pistons won 96-84 on Jul 19, 2025 (summer league, but regular: Spurs 14-6 last 20).
In playoffs, Spurs 1-0 series wins (2005 Finals, 4-3). At Little Caesars Arena, Spurs hold a 5-3 edge. Average points: Spurs 110.5, Pistons 105.2 in last 10.
Betting Trends
- Trends: San Antonio is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games and 7-3 ATS in last 10.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Antonio’s last 7 games.
Detroit is 29-23-1 ATS overall and 18-7 ATS at home.
Game Odds
San Antonio Spurs 227.5
Detroit Pistons – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 22, 2026
