Pelicans vs Pistons Picks and Prediction – 3/23/2025

The Sunday NBA schedule will tip-off with a matinee between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Detroit Pistons from Little Caesars Arena. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Pelicans (19-52) have dropped eight of their previous ten games and have been eliminated from postseason contention. On Friday, New Orleans was outscored by 27 points during the second half of a 134-93 road loss against Minnesota. 

Veteran G C.J. McCollum led five New Orleans players in double figures with 15 points on 6-for-15 from the floor. Bruce Brown added 14 points (5-8 FG) and finished with a minus 25 rating. Antonio Reeves scored 11 points in 12 minutes off the bench for the Pelicans, who shot 50 percent from the field. 

The Detroit Pistons are two games above .500 at home and trail Milwaukee by one game for fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Pistons (39-32) rank ninth in the league in defensive efficiency and are allowing 112.9 points per contest. On Friday, Detroit missed 20 of 31 three-point attempts during a 123-117 road loss against Dallas. 

All-Star G Cade Cunningham poured in a game-high 35 points on 15-for-30 shooting to go along with seven rebounds and six assists. The rest of the Detroit starting lineup scored 31 points on a combined 12-for-26 from the field. Malik Beasley added 16 points (5-15 FG) off the bench for the Pistons. 

Detroit G Tim Hardaway Jr. exited Friday’s loss with an ankle injury and is listed as questionable for this game. The Pistons have split their last ten games and this number might be a little high to cover. The pace will be fast and the Pelicans will struggle as usual to get stops. Take the over. Final Score Prediction, Detroit Pistons win 125-114.