Pacers vs Pistons Picks and Prediction – 1/17/2025

The Thursday NBA schedule will tip off with a matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons from Little Caesars Arena. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Pacers (22-19) have won seven of their last ten games and trail Milwaukee by a half-game for fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. On Tuesday, Indiana was outscored by ten points during the third quarter of a 127-117 home loss versus Cleveland. 

Pascal Siakam led seven Indiana players in double figures with 23 points (10-16 FG) and seven rebounds. Benedict Mathurin converted eight of 12 field goal attempts and finished with 19 points. Myles Turner added 17 points and five rebounds for the Pacers, who were outrebounded by a 49-37 margin.

The Detroit Pistons have won eight of their last ten games and are tied with Miami for seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Pistons (21-19) rank in the middle of the pack in defensive efficiency and are allowing 113.3 points per game. On Monday, Detroit outscored New York by nine points during the third quarter of a 124-119 road victory. 

Former number one overall draft pick Cade Cunningham led all scorers with 36 points (14-27 FG) and four assists. Malik Beasley knocked down 6-for-8 from long distance and finished with 22 points off the bench for the Pistons, who shot 50 percent from the field. 

Indiana G Tyrese Haliburton missed Tuesday’s loss with a mild left groin strain and is listed as day-to-day. The Pistons are the better defensive team and have an edge on the glass. Take Detroit to win and cover at home. Final Score Prediction, Detroit Pistons win 117-109.