Detroit Pistons vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Game Preview and Betting Insights
The Detroit Pistons (37-31) are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans (18-50) on March 17, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 7:00 PM Central Time and will be available for viewing on NBA League Pass.
Team Performance and Standings
Detroit Pistons: Currently holding the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference, the Pistons have been performing well this season.
New Orleans Pelicans: The Pelicans are struggling, positioned at 14th in the Western Conference.
Injury Updates
Detroit Pistons:
Jaden Ivey (SG): Out due to injury.
New Orleans Pelicans:
Zion Williamson (PF): Out due to injury.
Kelly Olynyk (PF): Out due to injury.
Yves Missi (C): Out due to injury.
Projected Starting Lineups
Detroit Pistons:
PG: Cade Cunningham
SG: Killian Hayes
SF: Bojan Bogdanović
PF: Isaiah Stewart
C: Jalen Duren
New Orleans Pelicans:
PG: CJ McCollum
SG: Herbert Jones
SF: Trey Murphy III
PF: Naji Marshall
C: Larry Nance Jr.
Player Prop Predictions
Detroit Pistons:
Cade Cunningham to score over 24.5 points: Cunningham has been a consistent scorer, and with the Pelicans' defensive struggles, he is expected to surpass this mark.
Jalen Duren to record over 10.5 rebounds: Duren has been dominant on the boards, especially against teams missing key frontcourt players.
New Orleans Pelicans:
CJ McCollum to score over 26.5 points: With Williamson and Ingram sidelined, McCollum has taken on a larger scoring role.
Larry Nance Jr. to record over 8.5 rebounds: Nance Jr. is expected to see increased minutes and rebounding opportunities in Valančiūnas's absence.
Betting Insights
Point Spread: The Pistons are favored by 6.5 points.
Over/Under: The total points line is set at 220.5.
Prediction
Considering the Pelicans' injury woes and recent form, the Pistons are anticipated to have the upper hand in this matchup. Detroit's balanced offense and the Pelicans' defensive challenges suggest that the Pistons will cover the spread. Additionally, given both teams' scoring capabilities and defensive lapses, taking the over on total points is advisable.
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