Pelicans vs Pistons: Game Preview

pelicans vs pistons — US news

The New Orleans Pelicans will face off against the Detroit Pistons on March 26, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The Pelicans enter the game with a record of 25-48, while the Pistons boast a strong 52-20 record, making them the favorites by 3.5 points.

Both teams will be missing key players due to injuries. Cade Cunningham is out with a collapsed lung and is expected to be reevaluated in about a week. Isaiah Stewart is also sidelined with a calf injury, while the Pelicans will be without Trey Murphy III due to an ankle injury.

In their recent performances, Jalen Duren has been a standout for the Pistons, averaging 23.3 points and 11.1 rebounds over his last 18 games. The Pistons have shown resilience this season, often bouncing back from tough losses, and their strong defensive capabilities could pose challenges for the Pelicans.

The Pelicans, who are currently on a three-game road slide, allow an average of 119.2 points per game, which could be a significant factor against the Pistons, who allow only 109.8 points per game. The Pelicans score an average of 115.5 points, indicating a potential for a high-scoring matchup.

Observers note that the absence of Cunningham could impact the Pistons’ offensive strategy, but they remain confident in their ability to control the game. “The Pelicans catch the Pistons without Cade Cunningham, who suffered a collapsed lung injury last week in Washington,” one analyst stated.

As the game approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how both teams will adapt to the missing players. The total over/under for the game is set at 226.5 points, reflecting expectations for a competitive contest.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the rosters, but the focus will be on how the Pistons leverage their home-court advantage against a struggling Pelicans team.