Game Details:

Matchup: Detroit Pistons vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Date & Time: Monday, March 17, 2025 | 8:00 PM ET
Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Betting Line: Pelicans -8.5 | Over/Under: 226.5

Key Storylines

Pelicans Pushing for Playoff Positioning

The Pelicans find themselves in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race and will look to secure a crucial home win against the struggling Pistons.

Pistons’ Road Struggles Continue

Detroit has had a tough season, especially on the road, where they have one of the lowest winning percentages in the league. Can they pull off an upset against a surging New Orleans squad?

Brandon Ingram & Zion Williamson Leading the Charge

New Orleans’ dynamic duo of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram has played a key role in their recent success. Expect them to be central figures in tonight’s matchup.

Rookie Watch: Cade Cunningham vs. Detroit’s Youth

While still in a rebuilding phase, the Pistons rely on their young core, including Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson, to keep them competitive in games like this.

Injury Report

Detroit Pistons:
Out: Bojan Bogdanović (calf), Monte Morris (hamstring)
Questionable: Jalen Duren (ankle)

New Orleans Pelicans:
Out: Jose Alvarado (ankle)
Questionable: CJ McCollum (illness)

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):

Pistons: 23-38-2 ATS this season
Pelicans: 36-27 ATS this season

Over/Under Trends:

Total Overs:
The OVER has hit in 30 of 63 Pistons games
The OVER has hit in 32 of 63 Pelicans games

Home vs. Away:

Pistons: 7-27 on the road this season
Pelicans: 21-10 at home

Player Prop to Watch

Zion Williamson (Pelicans) – Points Total: 26.5
With Detroit allowing high-scoring nights to dominant paint players, taking the OVER on Zion’s points might be a strong bet.

Cade Cunningham (Pistons) – Assists Total: 6.5
Cunningham has been an offensive focal point, and with Detroit playing from behind, he could rack up assists.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Pelicans -8.5 → New Orleans’ strong home record and Detroit’s road struggles make this a favorable pick.
Total: Over 226.5 → Both teams have trended toward the OVER recently.
Player Prop: Zion Williamson Over 26.5 points → He should feast against Detroit’s interior defense.

The Pelicans should control this game from start to finish. While the Pistons have some exciting young talent, they’re still figuring things out, making New Orleans a solid pick to cover at home.

Final Score Prediction: Pelicans 119, Pistons 107