Game Details:

Matchup: Pelicans vs Pistons

Date & Time: Sunday, March 23, 2025 | 7:00 PM ET

Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan

Betting Line: Pelicans -5.5 | Over/Under: 225.5

Key Storylines

Pelicans Playoff Push

The Pelicans are making a strong push for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. They have won 7 of their last 10 games, and a win against the struggling Pistons would further solidify their playoff hopes.

Pistons’ Youth Development

Detroit has been eliminated from playoff contention, but their focus has shifted to the development of their young core, including Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. They will look to play spoiler against a motivated Pelicans squad.

New Orleans’ Road Dominance

The Pelicans have been a solid road team this season, ranking in the top 10 in road wins. Meanwhile, the Pistons have one of the worst home records in the NBA.

Injury Report

Pelicans:

• Out: Brandon Ingram (knee), Jose Alvarado (ankle)
• Questionable: Zion Williamson (hamstring)

Pistons:

• Out: Bojan Bogdanovic (wrist), Isaiah Stewart (shoulder)
• Questionable: Cade Cunningham (ankle)

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):

• Pelicans: 35-29 ATS this season
• Pistons: 22-41 ATS this season

Over/Under Trends:

• The total has gone over in 5 of the last 7 Pelicans games.
• The total has gone under in 6 of the last 8 Pistons games.

Pelicans Strong on the Road:

• Pelicans are 18-13 on the road this season.
• Pistons have a home record of 8-26.

Player Prop to Watch

Zion Williamson (Pelicans) – Points Total: 24.5

If Williamson plays, he will be a focal point of the offense, making the over on his points prop an interesting bet.

Cade Cunningham (Pistons) – Assists Total: 6.5

Assuming Cunningham plays, he will likely control the offense and could surpass this number.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Pelicans -5.5 → New Orleans is the better team and should cover the spread.

Total: Under 225.5 → The Pistons’ struggles offensively may keep this game lower-scoring.

Player Prop: Zion Williamson Over 24.5 points → If he’s active, he should dominate against Detroit’s weak defense.

Detroit could show some fight at home, especially with their young talent, but New Orleans has a clear edge in talent and motivation. Expect the Pelicans to control the game and grab a needed win.

Final Score Prediction: Pelicans 112, Pistons 101