At Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons will square off in a thrilling Eastern Conference game on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM EST.
With the Pacers hoping to recover from recent setbacks and the Pistons hoping to gain ground at home, both teams are keen to establish their positions in the middle of the season.
Given the teams’ recent history—Indiana won by a slim margin earlier in the season, while Detroit dominated their most recent meeting in November with a 130-106 victory—this game is even more intriguing.
In this rivalry, the Pacers have always had the advantage, winning five of their last six meetings, but the Pistons are keen to demonstrate their ability to compete on a regular basis.
Additionally, fans can anticipate an intense, competitive matchup in this NBA game.
NBA Indiana Pacers VS Detroit Pistons Game Details
Date: January 16, 2025, Tuesday
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Where to Watch
TV Broadcast: NBA TV, Bally Sports Detroit, Bally Sports Indiana
Streaming: NBA League Pass
It’s been a while since I was this excited for a Pacers/Pistons matchup. Two of the hottest teams in the NBA.
— Wes Trueblood (@TruebloodWesley) January 16, 2025
Without Mathurin, Nesmith(?), Haliburton(?), in Detroit—a win for the Pacers will be tough. But we can do it. pic.twitter.com/64gNX6KzaJ
Injury Report
Indiana Pacers
RayJ Dennis (Questionable)
Although Dennis, a young guard on a two-way contract, has been improving in the G League and is receiving more playing time to polish his skills, he is doubtful for today’s game.
Enrique Freeman (Questionable)
Like Ray-J, Enrique Freeman, who is on a two-way contract and is known for his energy and rebounding prowess, is also doubtful to play in today’s game.
Furthermore, he spends the majority of his time in the G League for development.
Tyrese Haliburton (Questionable)
With a double-digit point and assist average, Haliburton is one of the Pacers’ best players.
Indiana relies heavily on his leadership and playmaking, but his groin strain is a concern for the team’s flow and could cause him to miss the game.
Isaiah Jackson (Out)
Jackson, a young center with great shot-blocking ability, suffered an Achilles tendon injury that could have a significant impact on the Pacers’ interior defense if he is sidelined today.
Quenton Jackson (Questionable)
Although Quenton has played for the Pacers’ G League affiliate and is a two-way player trying to gain a bigger spot on the NBA roster, he is still doubtful for today.
Aaron Nesmith (Questionable)
The Pacers rely heavily on Nesmith, renowned for his shooting and defense skills.
Due to an ankle sprain, he will probably not play in today’s game, which could affect his perimeter shooting and defensive presence.
James Wiseman (Out)
Despite being an athletic big man, Wiseman, a former high draft pick, has had difficulty establishing himself in the NBA.
His injury might keep him out for a long time, further weakening the Pacers’ frontcourt.
Detroit Pistons
Ron Harper Jr. (Out)
A two-way player, Harper Jr., the forward for the Pistons, spends most of his time with the G League affiliate.
Although he has displayed moments of scoring ability, he is currently out today due to his focus on development.
Jaden Ivey (Out)
Despite being a dynamic, athletic guard well-known for his speed and ability to score, Vey is unavailable today due to a left fibula fracture.
Being one of their most talented young players, his absence is a huge blow to the Pistons’ backcourt.
Daniss Jenkins (Out)
Daniss Jenkins, a two-way player, is not playing today because he is primarily focused on the G League.
Bobi Klintman (Out)
Currently on assignment in the G League, Klintman is honing his abilities as a versatile forward. He is not yet anticipated to make a major contribution at the NBA level.
Tolu Smith (Out)
Similarly, Smith is a two-way player who has spent time with the Pistons’ G League affiliate.
Although he is still in the minor leagues, he has the potential to be a reliable role player in bigger games.
Best Picks For Today’s Game
Indiana Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton
Haliburton is the Pacers’ best playmaker with a high assist and point average. Despite his groin injury, he is vital to their offensive flow and will be a key distributor and scorer for the team if he plays.
Bennedict Mathurin
Mathurin is a rising star for the Pacers who has been a reliable scoring option. Without Haliburton or other important players, he will be expected to play a bigger role and score many points.
Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham
With Jaden Ivey sidelined, Cunningham, the Pistons’ go-to player, will be the primary option for both scoring and creating plays. He is anticipated to spearhead the Pistons’ offense in this game because he has been playing at a high level.
Malik Beasley
With his ability to shoot and score, Beasley is another important Pistons roster member. Furthermore, the absence of some of the Pistons’ other players will probably give Beasley more chances to play.
Current Odds
Point Spread
Pistons -2.5
Moneyline
Pistons -144
Pacers +122
Over/Under Total
227.5 points
Betting Insights
The Pistons have covered the spread 21 times this season with a 21-16-3 record, while the Pacers are 19-20-2 against the spread.
Detroit has hit the top in 22 of 41 opportunities (53.7%), while Indiana has surpassed the total in 24 of 41 opportunities (58.5%).
The Pacers and Pistons’ Prior Recent Games
Pacers 126, Pistons 124 : November 3, 2024
The Pacers defeated the Pistons by a narrow margin in their most recent game, which was close and fierce.
Tyrese Haliburton contributed a significant number of points and assists, which helped to guarantee victory.
Under Cade Cunningham’s leadership, the Pistons maintained their competitiveness but lost by a narrow margin.
Pacers 118, Pistons 102 : February 12, 2024
Due to their impressive offensive performance, the Pacers were able to maintain control of the game and ultimately win.
As Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin took the lead, the Pistons’ defense faltered and Cade Cunningham was unable to lead the team to victory.
Pistons 111, Pacers 98 : November 16, 2023
In their decisive victory over the Pacers, the Pistons were led by Cunningham. The Pacers lost the game because they were unable to keep up with Detroit’s offense, particularly in the second half.
With the Pacers winning more recent games, these recent encounters highlight how competitive the two teams are. But Detroit has had its moments, particularly when Cunningham is at the forefront.
Pistons vs Pacers Prediction
Numerous analysts predict the Detroit Pistons will win today’s game against the Indiana Pacers.
Despite some significant injuries, the Pistons will have a significant home-court advantage and heavily depend on Cade Cunningham, who is anticipated to play a more offensive role now that Jaden Ivey is sidelined.
Due to his recent excellent play, Cunningham is expected to lead the team in playmaking and scoring.
However, the Pacers are battling injuries, especially to Tyrese Haliburton, their star guard, who is doubtful for today’s game.
With Benedict Mathurin emerging as a crucial scorer, the Pacers might find it challenging to sustain offensive consistency without Haliburton, and it might not be enough to defeat the Pistons.
Furthermore, Jalen Duren of the Pistons ought to be a formidable presence in the paint, which would further restrict the Pacers’ interior opportunities.
All things considered, the Pistons are predicted to win by a slim margin at home.
