Through 3 Quarters
Down one at the end of last quarter, the New Orleans Pelicans have now snagged the lead. Three quarters in and their offense has really been able to impose its will, dominating the Detroit Pistons 83-67 three quarters in.
New Orleans has been riding high on the performance of small forward Brandon Ingram, who has 26 points in addition to two blocks. Detroit hasn’t had any offensive standouts so far with all players held to 14 points or fewer.
they have lost 94% of the time when they were down heading into the fourth quarter this season, so this one seems just about wrapped up
Who’s Playing
Detroit @ New Orleans
Current Records: Detroit 4-20; New Orleans 7-20
What to Know
The New Orleans Pelicans will play host again and welcome the Detroit Pistons to Smoothie King Center, where tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Friday. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they’ll have plenty of motivation to get the ‘W.’
The Pelicans fought the good fight in their overtime contest against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result, falling 120-114. New Orleans’ defeat came about despite a quality game from center Jonas Valanciunas, who posted a double-double on 27 points and 11 boards in addition to three blocks. That makes it three consecutive games in which Valanciunas has had at least ten rebounds.
Meanwhile, Detroit also fell in overtime action on Wednesday. They lost 119-116 to the Washington Wizards on a last-minute jumper from Washington’s power forward Kyle Kuzma as the clock expired. Detroit’s loss came about despite a quality game from power forward Jerami Grant, who had 28 points along with five rebounds.
New Orleans is the favorite in this one, with an expected 6.5-point margin of victory. But bettors beware: they are 0-2 against the spread when favored.
The losses put New Orleans at 7-20 and Detroit at 4-20. A couple stats to keep an eye on: The Pelicans have allowed their opponents to shoot 47.60% from the floor on average, which is the second highest shooting percentage allowed in the league. The Pistons have experienced some struggles of their own as they have only been able to knock down 41% percent of their shots, which is the lowest field goal percentage in the league. It’s possible one of these Achilles’ heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
How To Watch
- When: Friday at 8 p.m. ET
- Where: Smoothie King Center — New Orleans, Louisiana
- TV: Bally Sports – Detroit
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Ticket Cost: $7.70
Odds
The Pelicans are a solid 6.5-point favorite against the Pistons, according to the latest NBA odds.
The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Pelicans as a 5.5-point favorite.
Over/Under: -112
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Series History
New Orleans have won eight out of their last 12 games against Detroit.
- Feb 24, 2021 – New Orleans 128 vs. Detroit 118
- Feb 14, 2021 – Detroit 123 vs. New Orleans 112
- Jan 13, 2020 – New Orleans 117 vs. Detroit 110
- Dec 09, 2019 – Detroit 105 vs. New Orleans 103
- Jan 23, 2019 – Detroit 98 vs. New Orleans 94
- Dec 09, 2018 – New Orleans 116 vs. Detroit 108
- Feb 12, 2018 – New Orleans 118 vs. Detroit 103
- Jan 08, 2018 – New Orleans 112 vs. Detroit 109
- Mar 01, 2017 – New Orleans 109 vs. Detroit 86
- Feb 01, 2017 – Detroit 118 vs. New Orleans 98
- Feb 21, 2016 – New Orleans 111 vs. Detroit 106
- Jan 21, 2016 – New Orleans 115 vs. Detroit 99
Injury Report for New Orleans
- Daulton Hommes: Out (Leg)
- Zion Williamson: Out (Foot)
- Kira Lewis Jr.: Out for the Season (Knee)
Injury Report for Detroit
- Chris Smith: Out (Knee)
- Kelly Olynyk: Out (Knee)
