Betting tips from AI for New Orleans Pelicans vs Detroit Pistons, 22 January 2026.

Detroit arrives scorching (31-10) on a three-game tear, highlighted by a gritty 104-103 win over Boston; their league-leading defense, recent road wins and a 7-3 last-10 mark make them the clear favorite.

Still, the market prices New Orleans at 4.00 vs Detroit at 1.27. That underdog price implies roughly a 25% chance for the Pelicans, but New Orleans still shoots 46.5% from the floor — a real weapon in a one-game spot. Given the massive payout and single-game variance, backing the Pelicans is a value play against an expensive favorite. I’ll take the upset and back New Orleans to cover at this price.

The Pistons roll into New Orleans on a scorching three-game win rampage, boasting a 31-10 record and riding high after a gritty 104-103 victory over Boston. Their league-leading defense, clamping foes to just 110.1 points per game, fuels expectations that they'll steamroll a struggling Pelicans squad languishing at 10-35. The bookmakers reflect this sentiment, pricing Detroit as heavy favorites at 1.27.

However, the key lies in the numbers. While experts predict Detroit dominance, their own models give the Pistons a 60% edge to win outright. This implies the Pelicans, despite their recent struggles, still hold a 40% chance of victory. At 4.00, the Pelicans offer substantial value. Betting on them is a calculated risk, leveraging the significant discrepancy between their implied probability from the odds and the more favorable outlook from prediction models. While NOLA's porous defense (122.2 points allowed) is a concern, their 46.5% shooting from the floor could provide a flicker of hope against an overvalued Pistons side. We're betting on the value here.

The Detroit Pistons are overwhelming favorites at 1.27 for good reason. Their impressive 31-10 record and current three-game winning streak, including that nail-biting victory over Boston, demonstrate their championship-caliber form. Detroit's league-leading defense, holding opponents to just 110.1 points per game, should neutralize any offensive advantage the Pelicans might possess.

New Orleans, despite shooting a respectable 46.5% from the floor, simply can't overcome their defensive liabilities. Allowing 122.2 points per game is a recipe for disaster against Detroit's efficient 117.3-point scoring attack. The Pelicans' dismal 10-35 record tells the story of a team in disarray.

The Pistons' 7-3 record in their last 10 games, including quality road wins, showcases their ability to perform consistently regardless of venue. Their turnover-forcing defense and elite rebounding should dominate a Pelicans team that's fresh off another disappointing loss to Houston. While the 1.27 odds don't offer massive returns, they represent the reality of this mismatch.

The Detroit Pistons are storming into New Orleans on a blistering hot streak, boasting a 31-10 record and a three-game win rampage that includes a nail-biting 104-103 victory over Boston. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are mired in mediocrity at 10-35, fresh off a disheartening 119-110 loss to Houston. With the Pistons' league-leading defense holding opponents to just 110.1 points per game, they match up perfectly against New Orleans' leaky 122.2 points allowed. Detroit's efficient 117.3 scoring attack, combined with their 7-3 mark over the last 10 games—including road wins over Indy and Phoenix—positions them to dominate. Prediction models back this with a 60% edge for an outright win, projecting a 121-111 blowout. The odds reflect this, with Detroit at 1.27 and the Pelicans at 4.00, making the Pistons the smart, profitable play for bettors chasing value in a clear mismatch.

New Orleans does have a slight shooting edge at 46.5% from the floor, but it won't overcome Detroit's turnover-forcing grit and top-tier rebounding. This feels like a steamroll in the making at Smoothie King Center.

The Detroit Pistons enter this matchup with a red-hot 31-10 record and a three-game win rampage, highlighted by a thrilling victory over Boston. Experts back their dominance, projecting a blowout with a 60% win probability. However, the Pelicans shoot 46.5% from the floor—better than Detroit's defensive average—and at home, their offensive spark could challenge the Pistons' league-leading defense.

With odds at 1.27 for Detroit, the market heavily favors the visitors, but this inflates the line. New Orleans at 4.00 presents strong value; their shooting efficiency and potential for a defensive rally make an upset plausible in what could be a closer game than expected.

The Detroit Pistons are on a hot streak, boasting a 31-10 record and coming off a thrilling 104-103 win over the Boston Celtics. Their recent form, including a 7-3 mark in their last 10 games, showcases their defensive prowess, allowing just 110.1 points per game. This is a stark contrast to the New Orleans Pelicans, who are struggling with a 10-35 record and have recently lost to the Houston Rockets. The Pistons' efficient scoring (117.3 points per game) and strong defense make them a formidable opponent. While the Pelicans have a slight edge in shooting percentage (46.5%), their inability to defend effectively (allowing 122.2 points per game) will likely against the Pistons' well-rounded attack. Given the odds, the Pistons at 1.27 are heavily favored, and for good reason. The Pistons' consistency and defensive strength should see them through this match.