Pelicans vs Pistons Prediction 22 January 2026
🔊 Can the hosts put up a fight? In this NBA regular season clash, New Orleans will face off against Detroit. The visitors are in considerably better form. However, when it comes to playing under the basket, the Pelicans might have certain advantages. This factor could significantly impact the course of the showdown.
Head-to-Head
📊 Statistical analysis of previous official games between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Detroit Pistons:
- They have played 36 matches;
- Wins (including overtime): 24 for today's home team and 12 for the visitors;
- The home team averages 103.64 points per game, while the visitors average 101.75;
- The average total score per game is 205.39.
Their last encounter took place on 23 March 2025 at the Detroit Pistons' court and ended with a score of 136-130.
Head-to-head statistics Pelicans - Pistons

New Orleans Pelicans Team Overview
Currently, New Orleans have suffered 4 losses in their last 5 games. The situation isn't exactly impressive. However, even amidst these setbacks, there are glimpses of quality basketball. For instance, this was evident in their recent defeat to Houston (110-119). The team boasts impressive physical attributes and aggressively drives to the basket, drawing fouls in the process. This approach could prove effective against the Pistons as well, offering a viable scoring strategy.
The home court advantage is undeniably significant for the team. Their most recent success came in a home game, where they edged out Brooklyn with a 116-113 victory. Looking at the season's overall stats, it's clear that the hosts have struggled offensively, averaging just 114.9 points. However, there have been more instances lately that challenge this narrative. Williamson and Murphy are set to put up a fight.
Match Results: New Orleans Pelicans

Detroit Pistons Team Overview
Detroit have secured four wins in their last five games, showcasing a perfect balance on both ends of the court. Defensively, they are particularly sharp near their own basket, allowing just 110.1 points per game, which ranks as the third-best in the league. A key player in this success is Duren. The center is in excellent form and was instrumental in their victory over Boston. However, the challenge lies in the limited number of quality big men in the Pistons' roster, which could pose an issue against the Pelicans.
The visitors are likely to adopt a slower pace, as they rank 13th in tempo. Even so, their offense performs well, averaging 117.3 points per game. Yet, there are notable weaknesses, particularly in long-range shooting. Despite their successes, only a few players like Harris, Robinson, and Ivey can consistently hit from beyond the arc. On the road, even they might struggle a bit.
Match Results: Detroit Pistons
Prediction on the outcome
H2H:
- Number of encounters - 36;
- Home team wins - 24, away team wins - 12.
- New Orleans Pelicans won with a +10.5 points handicap in last 6 games (NBA).
Prediction on the over/under
H2H:
- average total points per match for the home team - 103.64, for the away team - 101.75;
- average total points in H2H matches - 205.39.
Statistics: New Orleans Pelicans vs Detroit Pistons
- average total in the tournament: 236.92 vs 227.27;
- average total points scored: 115.47 vs 117.09;
- average total points conceded: 121.45 vs 110.18;
- average total points scored in the 1st half: 57.53 vs 60.42;
- average total points scored in the 2nd half: 57.08 vs 56.36;
- New Orleans Pelicans: average total points scored at home in the tournament - 118.25;
- Detroit Pistons: average total points scored away in the tournament - 117.68;
- last 10 matches (average total points scored): 112.5 (home - 111) vs 110.7 (away - 113.67).
- Detroit Pistons have scored under 123.5 points in 34 of last 36 games against New Orleans Pelicans (NBA).