The Detroit Pistons travel to the Big Easy for a non-conference NBA matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has been hot, and my Pistons vs. Pelicans predictions expect his stellar play to continue tonight.
Read on as I share my NBA picks for Monday, March 17.
Pistons vs Pelicans prediction
My best bet: Cade Cunningham Over 27.5 points (-115 at bet365)
My analysis
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has been the driving force behind the team's revitalization. Detroit's a playoff hopeful, and his scoring is the primary reason the ‘Stones are becoming a formidable team in the Eastern Conference.
The fourth-year vet was likely headed toward his sixth 28+ scoring night in seven games, but a Saturday night disagreement with the zebras ended that run.
The Oklahoma State product has been scoring buckets, knocking down 47% from the field, and getting to the cup far more often during the past seven games than his season average.
The odd part of this streak? Cunningham has been miserable from downtown.
He’s making only 24% of his five triple attempts, and maybe the 34% shooter will hit a couple of three-balls on his way to a huge scoring night as positive regression takes hold.
The New Orleans Pelicans defense is susceptible to big nights. They’ve allowed mostly inconsistent offenses to average 121 PPG and 21 trips to the charity stripe across the last five, and that bodes well for Cunningham.
The Pistons’ leading scorer is likely ticked off about Saturday night’s ejection, and he’s been red-hot otherwise.
New Orleans plays mediocre defense from everywhere, and I’m betting the star Pistons guard scores more than enough to comfortably clear his scoring prop.
Pistons vs Pelicans same-game parlay
Cade Cunningham Over 27.5 points
Jalen Duren Over 13.5 points
Pistons moneyline
New Orleans isn’t a good defensive team, but it's been especially leaky in the paint. Meanwhile, Pistons center Jalen Duren has seen a recent uptick in touches down low.
He’s scored 14+ in three of four and should be in line for a big night against a Pels interior defense allowing 52 PPG across the past five in the colored area.
Cunningham and Duren clearing their scoring props will lead to a Pistons victory. Detroit is 19-15 as the visitor and meets a Pelicans squad with a 12-22 straight-up record at Smoothie King Center.
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Pistons vs Pelicans odds
Pistons vs Pelicans live odds
Pistons vs Pelicans opening odds
- Spread: Detroit -6 (-110) | New Orleans +6 (-110)
- Moneyline: Detroit -240 | New Orleans +195
- Over/Under: Over 232 (-110) | Under 232 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Pistons vs Pelicans spread and Over/Under analysis
- As the away team, the Pistons are 5-4-1 ATS across the previous 10 and 21-11-2 ATS overall.
- The Pelicans are 3-7-0 ATS in the past 10 and 18-15-1 ATS at home.
- The Over/Under in the previous 10 is 4-6-0 to the Under.
Pistons vs Pelicans trend
The Detroit Pistons have hit the moneyline in 20 of their last 36 away games (+15.96 units / 32% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Pistons vs Pelicans
| Location | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA |
| Date | Monday, 3-17-2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN-Detroit, Gulf Coast Sports |
Pistons vs Pelicans latest injuries
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