The Detroit Pistons (31-10) and New Orleans Pelicans (10-35) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, La. The game will broadcast live on FDSDET.
The Pistons are 9.5-point favorites over the Pelicans on the spread (Pistons -9.5), with the over/under set at 231.5 total points. Detroit is a -380 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while New Orleans is +300 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Pistons vs. Pelicans predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, January 21.
Pistons vs Pelicans Prediction, Picks
- Pistons vs Pelicans pick: Under 231.5 (-110)
My Pelicans vs. Pistons best bet is on the Under at 231.5 total points, with the best price currently available at DraftKings. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Pistons vs Pelicans Odds
| Pistons Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-9.5 -110 | 231.5 -110o / -110u | -380 |
| Pelicans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+9.5 -110 | 231.5 -110o / -110u | +300 |
Pistons vs Pelicans NBA Preview
The Detroit Pistons are coming off a grueling and physical 104-103 over the Celtics. It was their sixth victory in their last seven games, and they extended their lead over the Celtics to 5.5 games for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Cade Cunningham did not have his best shooting night as he has been battling a wrist injury. However, he controlled the game with 14 assists and 0 turnovers, his second game this season with 10+ assists and 0 turnovers. On Monday afternoon, Cunningham was named an All-Star starter for the first time in his career, his second appearance overall.
Cunningham has been campaigning for votes for his center, Jalen Duren, and he may join him as a reserve. Duren is averaging 17.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game this season.
Duren had 22 points and 12 rebounds against the Pelicans last March. The Pistons should have the advantage in the paint once again, as the Pelicans are 28th in points in the paint and offensive rebounds allowed.
However, the more appealing matchup may be at the other end of the floor. The Pistons are second in defensive rating and third in points allowed in the paint. The Pistons may be even better defensively when Isaiah Stewart enters the game.
Stewart may be challenged at the rim by Zion Williamson, who has been healthy and available of late, averaging 30.8 minutes in 10 games this month.
He has scored 20 points in seven of his last 10 games while averaging 22.1 points per game in that span. He has scored 36 points and 30 points in his last two games against the Pistons.
Trey Murphy will look attack the Pistons from the perimeter, and he enters this game hot, having scored 20 points in nine of his last 10 games.
He is averaging 26.9 points per game in that span, four more than his season average. He also may have a little get-back on his mind as he was injured in the opening minutes when the Pistons came to New Orleans last season.
Pistons vs Pelicans Prediction, Betting Analysis
Over the Pistons' last 10 games, they have allowed more than 110 points just twice.
Each of those games has gone under, and six of them had a total north of 228 points. Seven of the Pelicans' last 10 games have gone under, despite their ranking 28th in defensive rating. Six of those games finished with fewer than 234 points.
Additionally, these teams are 6-2 to the under over the last eight meetings, including last year's matchup in New Orleans. However, Murphy, Cunningham and Duren are a few players I like to shine tonight.
Murphy has made three or more 3-pointers in 11 straight games. In that span, he has averaged 4.9 3-pointers made on 11.6 attempts per game. The Pistons have given up 13 3-pointers in two of their last three games.
Cunningham has 22 double-doubles in 36 games this season. He may soon be averaging one as he is at 9.8 assists per game this season. He is averaging 11.2 assists per game over his last 10 games, and he has had 10 or more in seven of those games.
Duren has scored 14 points in eight of his last 10 games and grabbed eight rebounds in eight of those games as well. He recorded 25+ PR in six of his last 10 games, hitting 68% this season. If tonight's game goes under as I expect, that will give him a few more rebound opportunities as well.
Pick: Under 231.5 (-110, DraftKings)
Pistons vs Pelicans Parlay Picks
- Cade Cunningham 10+ Assists
- Jalen Duren 25+ Points and Rebounds
- Trey Murphy 3+ Three-Pointers Made
Parlay Odds: +262 via DraftKings
