Pistons Aim To Extend Streak Against Pelicans Amid Injury Uncertainty

The Detroit Pistons are heading into New Orleans tonight, looking to extend their impressive three-game winning streak against a struggling Pelicans squad. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. ET at the Smoothie King Center, with fans able to catch the action on FanDuel Sports Network or stream it via Fubo and DirecTV Stream—both offering enticing free trials for new viewers. This cross-conference clash pits two teams at polar opposites in the NBA standings, and there’s plenty of intrigue swirling around key players, recent performances, and the ever-present injury report.

Let’s set the scene: the Pistons boast the best record in the Eastern Conference at 31-10, a remarkable turnaround from their 14-68 campaign just two seasons ago. Their recent 104-103 victory over the Boston Celtics showcased their grit, with Tobias Harris pouring in 25 points and Cade Cunningham dishing out 14 assists alongside 16 points. Detroit, having snapped a five-year playoff drought last season, seems to be building something special under the stewardship of president Joe Dumars and general manager Troy Weaver.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans are mired at the bottom of the Western Conference with a league-worst 10-35 record. They’ve dropped 13 of their last 15 games and are coming off a 119-110 loss to the Houston Rockets, where Trey Murphy III led the way with 21 points. Despite flashes of promise from young talents like Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears, the Pelicans can’t seem to find their footing, and fans—and perhaps even the front office—are left searching for answers.

On the betting front, Detroit enters the matchup as heavy favorites. The Pistons are giving 9.5 points on most sportsbooks, with moneyline odds hovering around -425 to -426, while the Pelicans are significant underdogs at +320 to +325. The projected total is set at 233.5 points, but both teams have recently trended toward the under—Detroit has gone under in 10 straight games, and New Orleans in seven of their last ten. That’s a stat bettors won’t want to ignore!

But wait—there’s a twist. The latest reports indicate that both Cade Cunningham and Caris LeVert are questionable for Detroit due to illness, and some sources suggest they may even be rested for tonight’s contest. Cunningham, the Pistons’ star guard, has been the engine behind their success, averaging 25.7 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. LeVert’s versatility as a playmaker and defender is also a key part of Detroit’s rotation. Their potential absence could shake up the Pistons’ game plan and give the Pelicans a glimmer of hope.

For the Pelicans, the injury bug has bitten hard. Jose Alvarado and Dejounte Murray are both out, with Herbert Jones (ankle) and franchise cornerstone Zion Williamson (illness) listed as questionable. Williamson leads New Orleans with 22.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, but his availability has been a constant concern. If Zion can’t go, the offensive burden will fall to Murphy III, Saddiq Bey, and the promising rookies Queen and Fears.

Detroit’s success this season has been built on a stifling defense and a relentless, physical style of play. The Pistons allow just 110.1 points per game—the third-best mark in the NBA—and rank second in offensive rating, second in opponent field-goal percentage, and sixth in opponent three-point percentage. They force turnovers at the second-highest rate in the league and dominate the boards, ranking third in rebounds per game. Jalen Duren (17.8 points, 10.7 rebounds) has emerged as a force in the paint, while Isaiah Stewart, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, and Tobias Harris round out a deep and talented rotation. Robinson, in particular, has been lethal from beyond the arc, hitting 40.6% of his threes on 7.2 attempts per game.

On the offensive end, Detroit is scoring 117.3 points per game, good for 11th in the league. They’re not just winning—they’re doing it by an average margin of +7.3 points, with 14 of their 31 wins coming by double digits. That’s a testament to their ability to impose their will on both sides of the floor, and it’s a big reason why oddsmakers are so bullish on their chances tonight—even with some lineup uncertainty.

The Pelicans, by contrast, have struggled mightily on defense, allowing 122.2 points per game (third-worst in the NBA) and ranking 28th in defensive rating. Offensively, they’re middle of the pack, averaging 114.9 points per game, but their efficiency numbers lag behind—24th in offensive rating, 21st in field-goal percentage, and 26th in three-point percentage. Despite a recent offensive surge (they’ve scored at least 110 points in six straight), their porous defense and lack of rebounding toughness (19th in rebounds per game, 23rd in opponent rebounds allowed) have doomed them to the bottom of the standings.

Head coach Willie Green is searching for answers, juggling lineups and trying to coax consistency out of a roster that seems perpetually stuck between rebuilding and contending. The presence of first-round picks Queen and Fears offers hope for the future, but with veterans like Williamson and Murphy III still on the roster, the Pelicans’ timeline remains muddled. As one preview put it, "The organization finds itself straddling two timelines, with Queen and Fears painting a bright picture for the future, but players like Williamson and Murphy III still holding a win-now outlook."

Tonight’s projected lineups could look different depending on the final injury report, but recent sources have suggested Detroit may start Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren, with either a rested or limited Cade Cunningham. For New Orleans, expect Jeremiah Fears, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Zion Williamson (if available), and Derik Queen to see significant minutes.

So, what should fans expect? If Cunningham and LeVert are out or limited, Detroit will need to rely even more on Harris, Duren, and their supporting cast. The Pistons’ depth, defensive tenacity, and rebounding should still give them the edge, but the Pelicans’ recent offensive consistency and home-court advantage could keep things interesting—especially if Williamson suits up. Most experts are still leaning toward Detroit by a comfortable margin, but the uncertainty surrounding the stars adds a layer of unpredictability.

With the Pistons looking to cement their status as Eastern Conference contenders and the Pelicans desperate for a spark, tonight’s matchup promises plenty of storylines. Whether it’s a showcase for Detroit’s defensive prowess or a chance for New Orleans’ young guns to shine, fans will want to keep their eyes glued to the action—and the injury report—right up until tip-off.

As the teams take the floor in New Orleans, the Pistons appear poised to extend their winning streak, but the final outcome may hinge on who’s healthy enough to play. For the Pelicans, any sign of progress or a competitive showing against the East’s best could be a small but meaningful step forward in what’s been a tough season. Stay tuned—tonight’s game may have more twists than expected.