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Pistons vs. Pelicans prediction: Detroit favored to win Wednesday's NBA matchup [1/21/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Jason Bevilacqua, Head of Content and Communities
Get Detroit Pistons vs New Orleans Pelicans predictions for NBA Wednesday.
The New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons will meet in NBA action at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday, with tipoff at 8:00 PM ET.
Based on the latest simulation results and today’s injury updates, Dimers' proven NBA model predicts the Pistons as the most likely winner of the Pistons vs. Pelicans game.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Pelicans lineup will feature players like Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy and Saddiq Bey, while the Pistons will look to Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson.
This article offers a closer look at Wednesday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Pistons vs. Pelicans prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using powerful machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Wednesday's NBA game between the Pistons and Pelicans 10,000 times as part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our independent predictive model currently gives the Pistons a 71% chance of defeating the Pelicans. Our predicted final score has the Pistons winning 117-111.
According to our model, the Pelicans (+7) have a 55% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 233.5 points has a 56% chance of staying under.
Pistons vs. Pelicans odds
We have sourced the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Pistons | Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | -7 (-110) | +7 (-110) |
| Moneyline | -270 | +320 |
| Total | o233.5 (-108) | u233.5 (-110) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Pistons vs. Pelicans picks and best bet
After matching our probabilities against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Pelicans +7 | -110 |
| Moneyline | Pelicans | +320 |
| Total | Under 233.5 | -110 |
According to our best NBA bets for Wednesday, the top play to make on this game is Pelicans to win.
Pistons vs. Pelicans player props
NBA player props are a common way to wager on Wednesday's Pistons vs. Pelicans game without necessarily betting on the outcome. We use the best information available to project how each team's leading players will perform at Smoothie King Center.
Jalen Duren is expected to lead the Pistons with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists, while Zion Williamson is projected to have 24 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the Pelicans.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Pistons prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Pistons are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Duren | 19 | 11 | 3 | 0 | 42 |
| Tobias Harris | 15 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 31 |
| Duncan Robinson | 14 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 25 |
| Ausar Thompson | 13 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 32 |
| Jaden Ivey | 13 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 24 |
Pelicans prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Pelicans:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Williamson | 24 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 43 |
| Trey Murphy | 23 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 42 |
| Saddiq Bey | 13 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 26 |
| Jeremiah Fears | 13 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 26 |
| Jordan Poole | 13 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 23 |
Pistons vs. Pelicans game-day updates and essential details
Wednesday's matchup between the Pelicans and Pistons at Smoothie King Center is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM ET.
- Who: Detroit Pistons vs. New Orleans Pelicans
- Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET/5:00PM PT
- Venue: Smoothie King Center
Conclusion
We predict the Pistons, with a 71% win probability, will likely beat the Pelicans on Wednesday, with Zion Williamson projected for a game-high 43 fantasy points.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Pistons vs. Pelicans insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are based on up-to-date data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Jason Bevilacqua, an expert in MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS, and NFL, delivers game previews, best bets, and props. Since 2020, as Head of Social and Community at Dimers, he has contributed insightful articles utilizing data-driven models and simulations.
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