Indiana Pacers vs Detroit Pistons Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 16, 2025

The Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons square off again on Thursday, the third of four meetings between the two teams. A win by the Pacers will give them the edge in the head-to-head showdown. Indiana will face the hosts without the suspended Bennedict Mathurin, while Tyrese Haliburton’s return from a groin injury is questionable.

Meanwhile, the surging Pistons will look to add the Pacers to their list of victims. Detroit is on a two-game winning run and 10-2 in its last 12 outings. Despite Jaden Ivey’s absence, the Pistons continue to string together superb performances. Cade Cunningham, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren, Malik Beasley and Ausar Thompson will lead the hosts.

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Indiana Pacers vs Detroit Pistons Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, will host the Pacers-Pistons showdown. Fans can also stream the action by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Pacers (+115) vs. Pistons (-135)

Odds: Pacers (+3.0) vs. Pistons (-3.0)

Total (O/U): Pacers (o227.0 -110) vs. Pistons (u227.0 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed are as per available information at the time of writing.

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Indiana Pacers vs Detroit Pistons preview

The Indiana Pacers dialed up their defense during their six-game winning run, which was ended by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. During that stretch, Indiana limited opponents to 104 points per game before surrendering 127 to the league-leading Cavs.

Without Bennedict Mathurin and probably Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers must get back that identity on the defensive end.

Besides playing good defense, the rebounding and assist battles will also be crucial barometers for success for both teams. In the Detroit Pistons’ 130-106 win against the Pacers in late November, they dominated the boards 44-32 and had more dimes 35-23 than their opponents.

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Indiana Pacers vs Detroit Pistons predicted starting lineups

Pacers

PG: Andrew Nembhard | PG: Ben Sheppard | PF: Jarace Walker | PF: Pascal Siakam | C: Myles Turner

Pistons

PG: Cade Cunningham | SG: Tim Hardaway Jr. | SF: Ausar Thompson | PF: Tobias Harris | C: Jalen Duren

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Indiana Pacers vs Detroit Pistons betting tips

Pascal Siakam will carry a bigger load on offense, particularly if Tyrese Haliburton remains out. The versatile forward has also played well against the Pistons this season, averaging 20.0 points per game on 50% shooting. He could squeeze past his 20.5 (O/U) points prop.

Cade Cunningham has been on a roll over the last five games, averaging 27.0 PPG on 52.0% shooting, including 41.9% from deep. He has also been a thorn in the Pacers’ flesh, putting up 26.0 PPG against them. Cunningham will likely hit the over in his 25.5 (O/U) against Indiana’s injury-hampered perimeter lineup.

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Indiana Pacers vs Detroit Pistons prediction

The Pistons have been playing better on both ends of the floor and are healthier than the Pacers. Cade Cunningham and Co. will also be on their home floor, making it likely that they will win and beat the -3.0 spread.