Pelicans vs Pistons

CJ McCollum will be looking to break the Pelicans’ current four-game slide despite Zion Williamson’s ongoing absence, and the Pistons are riding a modest two-game run with Cade Cunningham holding steady on the court. Both teams have recently given up big offensive totals in multiple matchups against Eastern Conference opponents, and neither side has found much defensive traction in their head-to-head clashes over the past few seasons. Those factors point toward a shootout, making the over a fair shot at decent winnings. With medium confidence and a reasonable payout, this pick earns a B+ grade.

Detroit’s backcourt, led by a rejuvenated Cade Cunningham, has been surging through its recent winning streak, while New Orleans continues to struggle on a five-game skid and remains without Zion Williamson due to a lingering foot injury. The Pistons look resilient at home, especially given their strong track record against Western Conference foes in physical matchups. Historically, Detroit has overwhelmed the Pelicans in transition, and with the visitors missing key pieces, the Pistons’ momentum is poised to sustain against the spread. This B+ prediction projects a rewarding payout if Detroit covers, thanks to its superior form and an opponent short on healthy stars.