New Orleans Pelicans (25-48) vs. Detroit Pistons (52-20)
March 26, 2026 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: Detroit Pistons -5.5; Over/Under: 225.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Detroit Pistons play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday night. Here’s a Pistons vs. Pelicans Prediction. This article will include a Pistons vs. Pelicans Pick.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans have been in decent shape as they’ve won five of their last eight games overall and they will be hoping to snap a two-game skid after falling short to the Knicks in a 121-116 road defeat on Tuesday. Zion Williamson led the team with 22 points on eight of 10 shooting; Jeremiah Fears scored 21 points on nine of 12 shooting off the bench, while Saddiq Bey chipped in with 18 points. As a team, the Pelicans shot 51 percent from the field and 15 of 34 from the 3-point line as they got off to a sloppy start and had to work hard to overcome an early 14-point deficit, but just when it looked like they were about to pull ahead, it was the Knicks who went on a 21-12 run to slip away in the end.
Detroit Pistons Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons have been in great shape as they’ve won seven of their last nine games overall, but they will be hoping to bounce back in this one after having their four-game win streak snapped by the Hawks in a 130-129 overtime loss on Wednesday. Jalen Duren led the team with 26 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks; Tobias Harris added 22 points on nine of 17 shooting, while Daniss Jenkins chipped in with 19 points and 10 assists. As a team, the Pistons shot 51 percent from the field and nine of 33 from the 3-point line as they exploded for 40 points in the third quarter to come back from an early 21-point deficit but in the final 4.9 seconds of overtime, the Pistons missed two opportunities to snatch the game at the end.
Why the Detroit Pistons will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last 12 road games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The favorites have won each of the last 10 games between the Pelicans and Pistons.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games against Central Division opponents.
- The Pistons have covered the spread in each of their last five home games on the second leg of a back-to-back after losing as favorites.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Pistons have lost each of their last seven games on the second leg of a back-to-back against the Pelicans.
- The Pelicans have won seven of their last eight games when playing with a rest advantage against the Pistons.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in nine of their last 10 games.
- The Pistons have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games against the Pelicans after losing as favorites.
Total Points: Facts
- Each of the Pelicans’ last eight Thursday road games has gone OVER the total points line.
- Six of the Pistons’ last seven games against Southwest Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pistons rank 1st in the league for opponent assists per game this season (23.5).
- The Pistons rank 1st in the league for steals per game this season (10.5).
- The Pelicans have recorded the largest comeback win from an HT deficit this season—trailing by 22 points vs. the Rockets on December 18.
- The Pelicans rank 1st for points in the paint (4180) this season.
Pistons vs Pelicans Prediction
The Pelicans have ruled out Bryce McGowens again with Trey Murphy III and Dejounte Murray both questionable, while the Pistons have ruled out Cade Cunningham, Marcus Sasser and Isaiah Stewart. These teams have already met once this season, with the Pistons taking a 112-104 victory back on Jan 21. The Pistons expectedly open as favorites at home despite missing Cunningham once again, but there is also an injury cloud hanging over a couple key players for the Pelicans. The line could change significantly by the time tipoff comes round, but at this stage I prefer a play on the Pelicans with the points in what should be a close one.
