Indiana Pacers vs Detroit Pistons Preview & ATS Pick - 1/17/2026
Updated January 17, 2026
Updated January 17, 2026
The Indiana Pacers (9‑32) will visit the Detroit Pistons (29‑10) on Saturday with the odds showing a sizable gap between these Eastern Conference teams. Detroit enters this contest as a heavy favorite at home following an overtime win against the Phoenix Suns, while Indiana has been playing better basketball of late and will try to continue that here. Before this contest begins in Detroit, keep reading to find my Pacers vs Pistons prediction in the NBA.
Pick: | Pistons -12.5 ATS PRO |
Confidence: | 3/5 |
The Pistons have surged to one of the best records in the league at 29‑10 and they’ve done it with strong defense and a balanced offense. Detroit’s latest win was a close 108‑105 victory over Phoenix, where Duncan Robinson led them in scoring and Jalen Duren posted another double‑double. Cade Cunningham returned to action but was inefficient from the field. Here, the Pistons will try to get more out of Cunningham to help them earn another win at Little Caesars Arena.
Indiana has struggled through the season with a 9‑32 record, but they have shown glimpses of life with some recent wins in four of their last five games. Indiana has had improved shooting from perimeter players recently. However, injuries have hobbled the Pacers, with multiple rotation players listed as day‑to‑day or out, including bench contributors and several wing options. Detroit’s superior depth and home success make them the clear favorite here.
Indiana also has to overcome playing for a second night in a row here. The Pacers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans last night and they are in for a much tougher test here against the Pistons, with Indiana having to face Detroit on tired legs.
Score Projection: Pacers 107 – Pistons 123 ATS PRO
Win Probability: Pacers 15%, Pistons 85% ATS PRO
Detroit’s line may look steep, but I think that is justified in this situation. The Pacers are on the second leg of a back-to-back here and I'm expecting them to struggle against the top team in the Eastern Conference. I recommend laying the points with Detroit in what should be a lopsided contest from the Motor City.
Jay Sanin is the GM and Head of Sports at ATS.io. He has been writing about sports gambling since 2013, handicapping tens of thousands of sporting events. He plays sides and totals aggressively across most sports and is more selective in player prop markets. He does his own modeling across most sports, and his family is jealous of how much time he spends on his precious spreadsheets.
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