RealGM Basketball Wiretap

26 March 2026

• Pelicans vs. Pistons Preview: How to Watch, Odds & Predictions

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  The Detroit Pistons look to maintain their grip on the Eastern Conference's top seed this Thursday as they welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to Little Caesars Arena. Detroit has been the surprise juggernaut of the 2025-26 season, entering tonight with a stellar 52-20 record despite recent injury setbacks. Conversely, the Pelicans (25-48) arrive in the Motor City desperate to snap a losing skid and play spoiler against the league's most efficient home team. With a 7:00 PM ET tip-off, fans can catch every minute of this cross-conference battle live on Fubo.

  This matchup is a study in contrasting fortunes. The Pistons have utilized a "next man up" philosophy all year, ranking in the top five for both defensive rating and bench scoring. Even with star guard Cade Cunningham sidelined, Detroit's ball movement and interior presence have remained elite. The Pelicans, meanwhile, lean heavily on the physical dominance of Zion Williamson. While New Orleans has struggled with consistency on the road, they possess the size to challenge Detroit's frontcourt rotations. For the Pistons to secure their 53rd win, they must focus on perimeter containment and limit Zion's second-chance opportunities. You can witness this physical tactical battle live on Fubo.

  Detroit's success tonight will likely rest on the shoulders of All-Star center Jalen Duren, who has been a walking double-double all season. With Cunningham out (collapsed lung), young guard Daniss Jenkins has stepped into the starting lineup and provided an immediate scoring spark, averaging nearly 20 points over his last four starts. The Pelicans counter with Trey Murphy III (questionable) and Dejounte Murray, who look to exploit any fatigue in a Pistons squad playing the second night of a back-to-back. The battle in the paint between Duren and Zion will be the premier individual matchup of the night, and Fubo is your home for the full broadcast.

  How to watch New Orleans Pelicans vs. Detroit Pistons

  Thursday's game will be broadcast on regional sports networks including FanDuel Sports Network Detroit and Gulf Coast Sports, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. The most flexible way to catch the game on any device is through Fubo, which provides high-definition access to the networks carrying the most NBA action.

  Category	Details
  Date	Thursday, March 26, 2026
  Tip-Off Time	7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
  Streaming Service	Fubo
  Venue	Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
  Round	NBA Regular Season

  Pelicans vs. Pistons Betting Odds & Predictions

  Despite playing on zero days' rest, the Pistons enter as home favorites due to their league-leading record and the Pelicans' struggles away from New Orleans. The point total is expected to be high given both teams' recent offensive trends.

  Betting Line	Pistons -4.5
  Over/Under	226.5
  Moneyline	DET -182 | NOP +152

  Prediction: Fatigue is a factor for Detroit after an overtime loss on Wednesday, but their bench depth is superior. New Orleans will look to exploit the paint, but Detroit's defensive discipline should carry them to a late-game surge. Final Score: Pistons 115, Pelicans 111.

  Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

  Jalen Duren remains the focal point for Detroit's interior game, leading the team in rebounds and blocks. Supporting him is Daniss Jenkins, whose playmaking has been vital in the absence of the team's primary ball-handlers.

  Detroit Pistons Key Leaders	PTS	REB	AST	FG%
  Jalen Duren (C)	18.1	11.8	2.4	62.3%
  Daniss Jenkins (G)	14.5	3.2	5.9	45.1%

  New Orleans counters with Zion Williamson, who remains one of the most efficient scorers in the paint. He is flanked by Trey Murphy III (if available), whose three-point shooting provides the spacing New Orleans desperately needs.

  New Orleans Pelicans Key Leaders	PTS	REB	AST	FG%
  Zion Williamson (F)	22.4	5.8	4.1	58.2%
  Jeremiah Fears (G)	11.6	2.5	3.4	43.6%

  Stream the NBA on Fubo

  Fubo is the premier destination for basketball fans during the 2025-26 season. Catch the Pistons vs. Pelicans action on your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV with the most flexible streaming plans available.

  Fubo: New subscribers can take advantage of a free trial to follow the NBA's push to the postseason. Fubo offers extensive coverage of regional and national sports networks, ensuring you don't miss a single highlight of the Pistons' championship quest.

  Frequently Asked Questions: Pistons vs. Pelicans

  What channel is the Pistons vs. Pelicans game on?
  The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit and Gulf Coast Sports. Fans can also stream the action via Fubo or the NBA League Pass app.

  Is Cade Cunningham playing tonight?
  No, Cade Cunningham is currently sidelined with a collapsed lung and is expected to miss multiple weeks.

  Where is the game being played?
  The game is being held at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI.

• Pistons 'Optimistic' Cade Cunningham Will Return Before Start Of Playoffs

  The Detroit Pistons are "optimistic" that Cade Cunningham can return from a collapsed lung by the start of the playoffs, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.

  "The Detroit Pistons are optimistic and there is hope internally there that Cade Cunningham will be able to return in time for the start of the NBA playoffs in mid-April," said Charania.

  Charania added that Cunningham is still in the early phases of his recovery.

  "He's still just one week removed from that collapsed lung, so he's very much in the recovery phase of the process. He's starting to do some small steps in the facility, do some small light work in the weight room," added Charania.

  The Pistons will have a clearer timeline for Cunningham's return in the "next 1-2 weeks," according to Charania.

  The Pistons remain in first place in the Eastern Conference with a 52-20 record.

• NBPA Demands Reform Of 65-Game Rule As Award Eligibility Threatens NBA's Top Stars

  The National Basketball Players Association is pushing to eliminate the 65-game minimum requirement for postseason award eligibility, citing Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham's collapsed lung diagnosis as a breaking point for a rule the union itself accepted three years ago.

  The NBPA released a statement Tuesday calling the rule "arbitrary and overly rigid." The statement was tied directly to Cunningham's situation, reported by The Athletic and other outlets.

  Cunningham has appeared in just 61 games this season despite earning All-Star recognition. The 24-year-old requires four additional appearances to qualify for MVP and All-NBA consideration. Detroit has 11 games remaining on its schedule, giving him a narrow window to meet the requirement.

  A spokeswoman for the NBPA stated: "Cade Cunningham's potential ineligibility for postseason awards after a career-defining season is a clear indictment of the 65-game rule and yet another example of why it must be abolished or reformed to create an exception for significant injuries. Since its implementation, far too many deserving players have been unfairly disqualified from end-of-season honors by this arbitrary and overly rigid quota."

  Cunningham's case is not isolated. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokic have each played 60 or fewer games. Victor Wembanyama must appear in eight of the San Antonio Spurs' final 10 contests to remain eligible for Defensive Player of the Year.

  The threshold was established under the 2023 collective bargaining agreement, covering MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, All-NBA, and All-Defensive honors. The current CBA runs through 2029-30.

  Critics note the rule creates a troubling incentive of injured stars feel pressure to return prematurely rather than risk losing award eligibility during the playoff push.

• Pistons First Eastern Conference Team To Clinch 2026 Playoff Spot

  The Detroit Pistons clinched a spot in the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The Pistons are the first Eastern Conference team to clinch a spot.

  This will be the Detroit's second consecutive appearance in the playoffs. Last year's Pistons snapped a five-year playoff drought.

  Two years ago, Detroit finished 14-68, which was the worst record in the NBA. That season included an NBA record 28-game losing streak. Now, the Pistons have a four-game cushion atop the Eastern Conference.

• Cade Cunningham Expected To Miss Extended Time Due To Collapsed Lung

  Detroit Pistons superstar Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung. Cunningham is expected to miss extended time due to the injury.

  Cunningham exited the Pistons victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday after playing just five minutes. Detroit said at the time that the All-Star guard was dealing with back spasms.

  The Pistons currently sit atop the Eastern Conference with a 3.5 game lead over the second-place Boston Celtics. Detroit is up four games in the loss column over Boston, with the Pistons having 14 games to play and the Celtics 13.

  Cunningham has appeared in 61 games this season. That means an extended absence could cost Cunningham his chance at season awards, including All-NBA. The superstar guard's play, combined with the Pistons record, has Cunningham a likely candidate for All-NBA First Team, as well as appearing on MVP ballots.

• Cade Cunningham Out Thursday Due To Back Spasms

  Cade Cunningham will miss the Detroit Pistons' rematch against the Washington Wizards on Thursday due to back spasms.

  Cunningham suffered the injury in the first quarter of Tuesday's 130-117 win.

  Cunningham, who has played in 61 games this year, must appear in four more to qualify for major postseason awards.

• Cade Cunningham Leaves Pistons' Win With Back Spasms

  Cade Cunningham left the Detroit Pistons' 130-117 win over the Washington Wizards with back spasms.

  Cunningham appeared to have suffered the injury after diving for a loose ball in the first quarter. He was taken out at the 6:40 mark and did not return to the game.

  Cunningham is averaging 25 points, 10 assists, and 5.6 rebounds on the year.

  Cunningham has played in 61 games this season and must appear in four more to qualify for major postseason awards.

• Suns vs. Pistons: How to Watch, Live Stream & Game Preview (March 16, 2026)

  The intensity shifts to the Little Caesars Arena tonight as the Phoenix Suns travel to Detroit to face a Pistons squad that has taken the league by storm. With Detroit currently holding the best record in the Eastern Conference and Phoenix fighting for Western Conference seeding, tonight's cross-conference battle is a potential Finals preview.

  The Detroit Pistons (48-18) enter tonight's contest as the gold standard of the East, led by a breakout season from All-StarCade Cunningham. Cunningham is orchestrating one of the NBA's most efficient offenses, averaging 24.7 points and 10.1 assists per game. He is supported by the interior dominance ofJalen Duren (18.5 PPG, 10.5 RPG) and the veteran scoring of Tobias Harris.

  The Phoenix Suns (39-28), meanwhile, are navigating a difficult stretch of injuries as they look to build on the scoring brilliance ofDevin Booker (25.4 PPG). With Dillon Brooks (hand) and Mark Williams (foot) sidelined, the Suns will lean heavily onGrayson Allen and Royce O'Neale to combat Detroit's length and defensive versatility. Having split their previous two meetings this season, tonight's rubber match is a high-stakes duel between two of the league's most balanced rosters.

  How to watch Suns vs Pistons

  Tonight's non-conference game will be broadcast on local regional sports networks in both the Detroit and Phoenix markets, with a national stream available for out-of-market fans on NBA League Pass.

  National/Out-of-Market	NBA League Pass
  Pistons Local TV	FDSN Detroit
  Suns Local TV	KPHE / AZ Family
  Live Stream	Fubo, DirecTV
  Game Time	7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM MST

  How to watch Suns vs Pistons for free

  To watch tonight's Suns vs. Pistons game for free, local fans can utilize a 5-day free trial from streaming services like Fubo, which carries both FanDuel Sports Network Detroit for Michigan viewers and KPHE for fans in Arizona.

  Fubo: The premier choice for cord-cutters. Fubo provides high-definition access to FanDuel Sports Network Detroit and KPHE, ensuring you catch every second of the action during the free trial window.

  NBA League Pass: For fans living out-of-market, League Pass is the go-to service. You can sign up for a free trial through Amazon Prime Video or the NBA app to stream Devin Booker and Cade Cunningham live on any device.

• Isaiah Stewart Out Indefinitely With Left Calf Strain

  The Detroit Pistons recently got experience playing without Isaiah Stewart. That's something the Pistons will have to lean on, as Stewart is going to be out indefinitely with a left calf strain. Detroit head coach JB Bickerstaff said that the team's focus will be on getting Stewart healthy.

  "It's something he's been dealing with. It just had been getting worse. He gutted it out last game and I think you could see he was favoring it late," Bickerstaff said of Stewart. "It's something we're going to take time with."

  Entering play on Sunday, the Pistons have a 4.5 game lead over the Boston Celtics atop the Eastern Conference. That cushion should allow Detroit to give Stewart the time he needs to recover, so that this injury doesn't linger into the postseason.

• Detroit Pistons vs. Toronto Raptors: How to Watch, Live Stream & Game Preview (March 15, 2026)

  The intensity of Scotiabank Arena awaits this afternoon as Cade Cunningham and the conference-leading Detroit Pistons cross the border to take on Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors in a high-stakes Eastern Conference clash.

  The Detroit Pistons (48-18) enter today's contest as the team to beat in the East, currently riding a three-game winning streak and holding a firm grip on the No. 1 seed. Driven by the All-Star brilliance ofCade Cunningham, who is averaging a stellar 24.7 points and 10.1 assists per game, Detroit boasts the league's second-ranked defense. The Pistons continue to dominate the boards behindJalen Duren, who is averaging a massive 10.6 rebounds per contest.

  The Toronto Raptors (37-29), meanwhile, are looking to solidify their playoff positioning and protect their home court. Toronto remains a dangerous threat behind the versatile playmaking ofScottie Barnes (18.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG) and the scoring punch ofBrandon Ingram, who leads the squad with 21.7 points per game. With the Pistons aiming for 50 wins and the Raptors eager to prove they belong with the elite, this Sunday matinee offers a premier look at two of the East's top rosters.

  How to watch Pistons vs Raptors

  Today's game will be broadcast on local regional sports networks in both the Detroit and Toronto markets, with a national stream available for out-of-market fans on NBA League Pass.

  National/Out-of-Market	NBA League Pass
  Pistons Local TV	FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
  Raptors Local TV	Sportsnet
  Live Stream	Fubo, DirecTV

  How to watch Pistons vs Raptors for free

  To watch today's Pistons vs. Raptors game for free, local fans can utilize a 5-day free trial from streaming services like Fubo, which carries the local FanDuel Sports Network Detroit broadcast for fans in Michigan.

  Fubo: The premier choice for Detroit fans. Fubo provides access to FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, ensuring you don't miss a minute of Cade Cunningham's MVP-caliber play during your free trial window.

  NBA League Pass: For fans living outside of the Detroit or Toronto markets, League Pass is the best way to catch the action. New users can sign up for a free trial through Amazon Prime Video or the NBA app to stream the game live.