Cade Cunningham Returns As Pistons Host Depleted Suns In Detroit Showdown

The Detroit Pistons returned to their home court at Little Caesars Arena on January 15, 2026, hosting the Phoenix Suns in a highly anticipated midseason NBA clash. With both teams aiming to rebound from recent losses, the stakes were high as the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons (28-10) faced a Suns squad (24-16) missing key contributors but determined to make their mark on the road.

Detroit entered the night riding the momentum of a strong season, boasting the best record in the East and a reputation for defensive intensity. The Pistons’ defense ranked second in net rating (109.7) and led the league in blocks (6.7) and steals (10.4, tied with Phoenix) per game. The team was also averaging 117.8 points per contest, outscoring opponents by more than five points per game. Despite a recent 98-92 setback against the Los Angeles Clippers that snapped a three-game win streak, the Pistons remained a formidable force, especially at home.

Cade Cunningham, Detroit’s rising star and former first-overall pick, was at the center of the pregame buzz. Cunningham returned to action after missing two games with a right wrist contusion, and expectations were sky-high. He had been on a tear, averaging 26.7 points, 9.7 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game for the season, while shooting 34% from beyond the arc. His recent performances included 31, 27, and 29 points in consecutive games to start January, and he had hit the over on his points prop in six straight outings dating back to December. At home, Cunningham was particularly lethal, averaging 26.9 points per contest.

"Cade’s doing it all," one analyst noted before tipoff. "He’s having an All-Star campaign, and every night he’s the engine that keeps the Pistons rolling."

The Pistons’ supporting cast was nearly at full strength. Jalen Duren, dealing with a right ankle sprain, and Tobias Harris, sidelined since December 30 with a left hip sprain, were both probable and expected to play. Isaiah Stewart, who had been ill, was also cleared to suit up. Duncan Robinson, another key contributor, entered the matchup averaging 11.8 points per game and had just dropped 20 points in the loss to the Clippers. Robinson’s home splits were especially impressive—12.6 points per game at Little Caesars Arena compared to 10.6 on the road. Against Phoenix last season, Robinson had averaged a solid 14 points across two meetings.

Phoenix, meanwhile, faced a tougher path. The Suns were in the midst of a grueling six-game road trip and had just fallen 127-121 to the Miami Heat. Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen each tallied 25 points in that contest, while Devin Booker—averaging 25.2 points and 6.5 assists for the season—added 24 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists despite playing through a nagging ankle injury. However, Booker was ruled out for the Detroit game due to swelling in his ankle, leaving a significant void in the Suns’ lineup. Coach Jordan Ott expressed optimism about Booker’s quick return, saying, "We’re hopeful Devin can be back for the Knicks game on Saturday night."

With Booker sidelined, Ott rolled out a starting five of Collin Gillespie, Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, Dillon Brooks, and Mark Williams. The Suns were also without Jalen Green, who remained out with a hamstring injury but was making progress in practice, and Jamaree Bouyea, still in concussion protocol. Nigel Hayes-Davis was questionable, while O’Neale played through a biceps issue.

The Suns’ shot creation was expected to suffer in Booker’s absence, placing added pressure on Gillespie and Brooks to generate offense. "Winning without Booker won’t be impossible, but the Pistons sure won’t make it easy," noted Donnie Druin of Sports Illustrated. Phoenix’s bench depth and efficiency from beyond the arc would be critical, especially given Detroit’s stingy perimeter defense—opponents were shooting just 34% from three-point range at Little Caesars Arena.

Despite the adversity, Phoenix remained competitive in the Western Conference, sitting seventh but still in control of the Pacific Division. The Suns had won 23 of their previous 35 games, providing a 29% return on investment for moneyline bettors. Historically, the head-to-head series between Detroit and Phoenix was closely contested; the Suns held a narrow 75-72 edge across 147 regular-season meetings, and since 2005, both teams had split 22 wins apiece.

The oddsmakers favored Detroit by 6.5 points, with the Pistons carrying a -245 moneyline and the Suns listed as +200 underdogs. The over/under for total points hovered around 222.5 to 223.5, reflecting expectations of a high-scoring affair despite key absences. The Pistons’ offensive firepower, combined with the Suns’ ability to hang tough on the road, set the stage for a compelling contest.

As the game tipped off, fans tuned in across multiple platforms—FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, FDSDET, AZFamily, Suns+, and streaming services like Fubo and DirecTV Stream, both offering free trials for new viewers. Tickets were available for those eager to witness the action in person, and the buzz inside Little Caesars Arena was palpable. The Pistons, eager to maintain their Eastern Conference lead, looked to reassert themselves after the loss to the Clippers, while the Suns aimed to avoid a second straight defeat on their road swing.

On the floor, Detroit’s defense lived up to its billing, contesting shots and forcing turnovers early. Cunningham orchestrated the offense with his usual poise, finding open teammates and attacking the rim with confidence. Duncan Robinson provided a spark with his perimeter shooting, and the frontcourt duo of Duren and Harris battled on the boards. For Phoenix, Brooks and Allen shouldered much of the scoring load, while Gillespie tried to navigate Detroit’s aggressive perimeter defense. Mark Williams, a force on the glass, was challenged by the Pistons’ interior presence and had recorded under 8.5 rebounds in four of his previous six games—a trend that was closely watched by stat trackers and bettors alike.

As the night unfolded, the absence of Booker was keenly felt, especially in late-game situations where his shot-making and gravity often tilt the balance. Yet, the Suns played with grit, embodying the "next man up" mentality that coach Ott had instilled. The Pistons, meanwhile, leaned on their depth and discipline, determined to protect their home court and keep their place atop the East.

With the final buzzer yet to sound, the outcome remained uncertain. Both teams showcased resilience and flashes of brilliance, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The Pistons’ blend of star power, defensive tenacity, and home-court advantage put them in a strong position, but the Suns’ resolve ensured the contest was far from over.

As the action continues, all eyes are on how Detroit’s stars and Phoenix’s supporting cast respond to the moment. Will the Pistons extend their dominance at home, or can the Suns overcome adversity for a signature road win? One thing’s for sure: in Detroit, the NBA spotlight shines bright, and this midseason battle is shaping up to be one fans won’t soon forget.