Pistons vs Pelicans Picks and Prediction – 3/18/2025

The Smoothie King Center will be the scene for a Monday night NBA clash between the Detroit Pistons and the New Orleans Pelicans. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Pistons (37-31) are four games above .500 on the road and trail Indiana by one game for fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. On Saturday, Detroit had no answer for MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during a 113-107 home loss versus Oklahoma City. 

Veteran F Tobias Harris led six Detroit players in double figures with 18 points (6-12 FG) and seven rebounds. Dennis Schroder added 17 points and 11 assists in 27 minutes off the bench. All-Star G Cade Cunningham tallied 11 points (5-18 FG), nine assists, and seven rebounds for the Pistons. 

The New Orleans Pelicans have dropped 22 of their first 32 home games and have been eliminated from playoff contention. The Pelicans (18-50) rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency and are surrendering 119 points per contest. On Saturday, New Orleans assisted on 34 of 46 made field goals and shot 50 percent overall during a 119-115 road loss against San Antonio. 

New Orleans G C.J. McCollum led all scorers with 26 points (10-22 FG) to go along with nine assists and seven rebounds. Trey Murphy III knocked down 4-for-11 from long distance and finished with 20 points. Bruce Brown added 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists for the Pelicans. 

New Orleans F Zion Williamson (personal) did not play during Saturday’s loss and his status for this game is uncertain. The Pistons are playing at the fifth fastest tempo and the Pelicans are struggling to get stops. Look for Detroit to win at home in a game that goes over the total. Final Score Prediction, Detroit Pistons win 123-117.