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Rockets vs. Pistons prediction: Detroit to win, Kevin Durant projected for big game in Friday's NBA matchup [1/23/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get Houston Rockets vs Detroit Pistons predictions for NBA Friday.
NBA action continues on Friday at 7:00 PM ET as the Houston Rockets square off with the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.
Based on updated simulation results and today’s injury news, Dimers' proven NBA model predicts the Pistons as the most likely winner of the Rockets vs. Pistons game.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Pistons lineup will feature players like Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris, while the Rockets will be led by Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson.
This article offers further insights into Friday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Rockets vs. Pistons prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using innovative machine learning and statistical analysis, we have simulated the outcome of Friday's NBA matchup between the Rockets and Pistons 10,000 times as part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our independent predictive model gives the Pistons a 66% chance of defeating the Rockets. Our predicted final score has the Pistons winning 110-105.
According to our model, the Pistons (-4.5) have a 51% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 217.5 points has a 51% chance of staying under.
Rockets vs. Pistons odds
We have sourced the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Rockets | Pistons |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +4.5 (-110) | -4.5 (-105) |
| Moneyline | +146 | -174 |
| Total | o217.5 (-105) | u217.5 (-112) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Rockets vs. Pistons picks and best bet
After matching our predictions 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 | Pistons -4.5 | -105 |
| Moneyline | Pistons | -174 |
| Total | Over 217.5 | -105 |
According to our best NBA bets for Friday, the top play to make on this game is Pistons to win.
Rockets vs. Pistons player props
Betting on Rockets vs. Pistons NBA player props? We have crunched the numbers to project how each team's leading players will perform at Little Caesars Arena.
Kevin Durant is expected to lead the Rockets with 26 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, while Cade Cunningham is projected to have 25 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists for the Pistons.
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.
Rockets prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Rockets are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Durant | 26 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 46 |
| Alperen Sengun | 18 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 44 |
| Amen Thompson | 18 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 40 |
| Jabari Smith | 15 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 31 |
| Reed Sheppard | 13 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 27 |
Pistons prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Pistons:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cade Cunningham | 25 | 6 | 9 | 2 | 53 |
| Jalen Duren | 16 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 36 |
| Tobias Harris | 13 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 26 |
| Duncan Robinson | 12 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 22 |
| Ausar Thompson | 11 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 28 |
Rockets vs. Pistons game-day updates and essential details
Friday's action between the Pistons and Rockets at Little Caesars Arena is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM ET.
- Who: Houston Rockets vs. Detroit Pistons
- Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
- Venue: Little Caesars Arena
Conclusion
We predict the Pistons, with a 66% win probability, will likely beat the Rockets on Friday, with Cade Cunningham projected for a game-high 53 fantasy points.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Rockets vs. Pistons insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are drawn from the latest data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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