Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons Pick & Prediction JANUARY 16th 2025

Preview and Prediction

The Detroit Pistons have emerged as the most uplifting story of the NBA season. They will reach the halfway point of the season with a positive record, regardless of their performance in a home game against Indiana on Thursday evening.

Detroit has triumphed in 10 of their last 12 games, elevating their record to 21-19. Last season, the Pistons were the worst team in the league, only managing to win 14 games.

Their most recent victory was one of their most impressive, as they defeated the Knicks in New York for the second time this season on Monday, with a score of 124-119. Detroit maintained a narrow lead for much of the second half and secured the win with two 3-pointers from Malik Beasley in the final 39 seconds.

On both occasions, the Knicks' defense focused on Cade Cunningham, resulting in a hockey-style assist. He passed the ball to Tim Hardaway Jr., who then passed it to an open Beasley.

This was a prime example of the Pistons' improved execution and composure during their winning streak.

Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff commented, "To me, the most impressive thing is Cade trusted Tim, because they were trapping Cade. He made the play to Tim, and then Tim trusted (Beasley). That's the heartbeat of great teams and good teams. The trust to make the right play at the end of the game and not feel like you have to be the guy. Lesson learned for us. We keep putting those together and every night, we're a tough opponent."

Despite the Knicks' heavy defense on Cunningham, the All-Star candidate found ways to score, finishing with 36 points. This was the fourth time in the last six games that he has scored at least 32 points.

In their past two games, Indiana has shown that they can hold their own against the top team in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers ended the Cavaliers' 12-game winning streak with a 108-93 victory in Cleveland on Sunday. In the rematch at Indianapolis, the Cavaliers got revenge with a 127-117 triumph on Tuesday, snapping the Pacers' six-game winning streak.

However, the Pacers were without star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was sidelined with a mild groin strain, according to coach Rick Carlisle.

"It's clear that we need Tyrese back healthy," Carlisle said. "He's one of the best players in the world."

Haliburton, who averages 18.1 points and 8.8 assists, had started in all of Indiana's first 40 games.

"It's just one game without Ty, so we have to continue to improve," said forward Pascal Siakam. "Everyone needs to step up from top to bottom. We have to step up in his absence."

Cleveland took control with a 38-point third quarter and maintained their lead in the fourth. Haliburton's presence may have made a difference, but it is uncertain when he will return to the court.

"We all know what Ty is capable of, and what he brings to our team as a facilitator and an energy player," Siakam said. "We just have to figure out how to play without him."

Indiana and Detroit have split their first two games in the four-game season series. In October, the Pacers outscored the Pistons 66-51 in the second half to secure a 115-109 victory. In the second meeting on November 29th, the Pistons shot an impressive 57.8% to win 130-106.

PREDICTION

Indiana Pacers

116

114

Detroit Pistons

Indiana vs. Detroit Recap FEB 11TH 2021