Two of the NBA’s most improved teams collide today in an MLK Day matinee as the Houston Rockets host the Detroit Pistons at Toyota Center.
This has been a favorable matchup for Houston in recent years, with six straight wins over Detroit, and my Pistons vs. Rockets predictions expect both offenses to show up in H-Town.
Check out my NBA picks for this January 20 showdown, with a focus on two dynamic guards.
Pistons vs Rockets prediction
My best bet
Over 222.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Houston Rockets continue to crash the party at the top end of the Western Conference. With six wins from their last seven games, including victories over the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies (twice), and Los Angeles Lakers, they’ve set a higher bar offensively in the process.
Houston has hit the Over in four straight contests, and that’s where I’m looking with my best bet for today’s early tip against a Detroit Pistons team that’s cashed the Over in three of its last four outings.
The offensive firepower is undeniable, with the Rockets getting big production from Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, and Detroit thriving with Cade Cunningham at the controls. With two young, athletic lineups, there’s potential for a track meet this afternoon.
Most of all, this is a wager on Houston’s current hot streak. The hosts have scored at least 119 points in each of their past seven games, and they’ve reached the 125-point mark in four of those matchups.
The Rockets lead the NBA in field-goal attempts per game (93.9), and their end-to-end style should be conducive to a thriller here. Averaging 112.3 ppg this year, the Pistons can hold up their end of the scoring too.
Amen Thompson, one of Houston’s most versatile defenders, missed Houston’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday with a calf injury. If he sits out again, it should give the Detroit guards even more room to breathe.
Four of the last six meetings between these teams went past this 222.5 total, and I see today’s clash following a similar script.
Pistons vs Rockets same-game parlay
Over 222.5
Cade Cunningham Over 8.5 assists
Jalen Green Over 23.5 points
I’m banking on the 2021 Draft Class for my SGP this afternoon, starting with Cunningham. He is a leading contender for the Most Improved Player award, and his career-high 9.4 apg is a big reason for that.
Surrounded by veteran shooters, he’s piled up 41 assists over his last four games, including 11 dimes against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, and I like the Over on 8.5 for his assists prop here. Cunningham finished with nine dimes against the Rockets back in November, and he’s locked into a high usage role in this Detroit offense.
Likewise, Green is poised for a huge workload as Houston’s No.1 scoring threat. He’s been on a tear this month, averaging 29.8 ppg and going past this 23.5 number in eight straight contests.
With Fred VanVleet out, Green led the way with 26 points at the weekend against the Blazers. He’s going to cool off at some stage, but he’s up to 49% from 3-point range in January, including at least four triples in each of his past eight games. Even if VanVleet returns here, this Over feels like a value pick.
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Pistons vs Rockets odds
Pistons vs Rockets live odds
Pistons vs Rockets opening odds
- Spread: Detroit +8 | Houston -8
- Moneyline: Detroit +270 | Houston -326
- Over/Under: Over 223| Under 223
Odds courtesy of bet365
Pistons vs Rockets spread and Over/Under analysis
- Though Houston is an impressive 24-16-1 ATS this year and boasts a 14-6 mark at Toyota Center, an 8-point spread is hefty given that three of the hosts’ last six victories have come by four points or fewer.
- The Rockets won 101-99 in Detroit in the teams’ prior meeting this season, but the Pistons covered the spread that night.
- The Pistons 1H moneyline has only been a winning ticket in 21 of their last 72 outings.
- Houston has hit the Over in 39 of its past 62 contests.
Pistons vs Rockets trend
The Pistons have cashed in the 1H Over in 20 of their last 27 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Rockets.
How to watch Pistons vs Rockets
| Location: | Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
| Date: | Monday, 1-20-2025 |
| Tip-off: | 2:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SCHN, FDSN |
Pistons vs Rockets latest injuries
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