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Pelicans vs. Pistons prediction: Detroit favored to win Thursday's NBA matchup [3/26/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get New Orleans Pelicans vs Detroit Pistons predictions for NBA Thursday.
The Detroit Pistons will face the New Orleans Pelicans in NBA action at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday, beginning at 7:00 PM ET.
Based on updated simulation results and today’s injury news, Dimers' advanced NBA model predicts the Pistons as the most likely winner of the Pelicans vs. Pistons game.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Pistons lineup will feature stars like Jalen Duren, Daniss Jenkins and Tobias Harris, while the Pelicans will look to Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey.
This article offers further insights into Thursday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Pelicans vs. Pistons prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using innovative machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Thursday's NBA game between the Pelicans and Pistons, forming part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our leading predictive model currently gives the Pistons a 59% chance of beating the Pelicans. Our predicted final score has the Pistons winning 114-111.
According to our model, the Pelicans (+3.5) have a 53% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 226.5 points has an equal 50-50 chance of hitting.
Pelicans vs. Pistons odds
We have sourced the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Pelicans | Pistons |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +3.5 (-105) | -3.5 (-115) |
| Moneyline | +160 | -180 |
| Total | o226.5 (-110) | u226.5 (-108) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Pelicans vs. Pistons picks and best bet
After matching our probabilities against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Pelicans +3.5 | -105 |
| Moneyline | Pelicans | +160 |
| Total | Over 226.5 | -110 |
According to our best NBA bets for Thursday, the top play to make on this game is Pelicans to win.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Pelicans vs. Pistons player props
Looking for New Orleans vs. Detroit NBA prop bets? We have crunched the numbers to project how each team's leading players will perform at Little Caesars Arena.
Trey Murphy is expected to lead the Pelicans with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, while Jalen Duren is projected to have 23 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists for the Pistons.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Pelicans prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Pelicans are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trey Murphy | 25 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 44 |
| Zion Williamson | 21 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 38 |
| Saddiq Bey | 19 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 34 |
| Dejounte Murray | 16 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 38 |
| Herbert Jones | 10 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 24 |
Pistons prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Pistons:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Duren | 23 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 45 |
| Daniss Jenkins | 16 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 37 |
| Tobias Harris | 15 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 30 |
| Duncan Robinson | 14 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 25 |
| Ausar Thompson | 13 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 33 |
Pelicans vs. Pistons game-day updates and essential details
Thursday's action between the Pistons and Pelicans at Little Caesars Arena is scheduled to commence at 7:00 PM ET.
- Who: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Detroit Pistons
- Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
- Venue: Little Caesars Arena
Conclusion
We predict the Pistons, with a 59% win probability, will likely beat the Pelicans on Thursday, with Jalen Duren projected for a game-high 45 fantasy points.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Pelicans vs. Pistons insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are sourced from the latest data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice, head to our responsible gambling hub.
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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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