Pistons Edge Nuggets in Thrilling Finish
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Little Caesars Arena
Detroit Pistons 124, Denver Nuggets 121, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Denver Nuggets vs Detroit Pistons?
Detroit Pistons beat Denver Nuggets 124-121 at Little Caesars Arena on February 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Denver Nuggets vs Detroit Pistons?
Detroit Pistons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Detroit Pistons triumphed over the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 124-121 at Little Caesars Arena. This victory marked the Pistons' third consecutive win against the Nuggets, having previously won their last two meetings this season, including a narrow 109-107 victory on January 28, 2026.
The Pistons entered the game with a home record of 37-12 and were riding a two-game winning streak, having won eight of their last ten games. Their recent form has been impressive, with an average of 115.4 points scored and 103.9 points allowed over their last ten games. In their last five games, they averaged 121.0 points while allowing 107.6, demonstrating a strong offensive and defensive balance. Their home record stood at 5-1 in the last six games, further solidifying their dominance at home.
On the other hand, the Nuggets, with an away record of 33-18, have struggled recently, posting a record of 5-4-1 in their last ten games. They have averaged 97.1 points scored and 97.9 points allowed during this stretch, indicating a significant drop in offensive output. Their last five games saw them averaging just 89.4 points, leading to a current losing streak of one game after a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nuggets have also faced challenges on the road, with a 2-0 record in their last two away games but struggling to maintain consistency.
In terms of injuries, the Nuggets had two players listed as day-to-day: Aaron Gordon, dealing with a calf issue, and Trevon Brazile, with an undisclosed injury. The status of these players could have implications for the Nuggets' performance, particularly with Gordon's role as a key contributor.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Pistons favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 229.5. The moneyline odds reflected a strong belief in the Pistons' ability to win, with -192.0 for the home team and +160.0 for the Nuggets, indicating that the Pistons were seen as the clear favorites.
The game conditions were set for an exciting matchup, with both teams looking to assert their dominance. The Pistons capitalized on their home advantage, showcasing their scoring prowess throughout the game. Key moments included a driving layup by Nikola Jokic and a crucial three-pointer from Jamal Murray, but it was the Pistons' ability to convert free throws in the closing moments that sealed their victory.
As the game progressed into the final quarter, the tension escalated. The Pistons maintained a slim lead, and crucial free throws from Cade Cunningham helped secure the win in the final seconds. The Pistons' ability to execute under pressure proved vital, as they successfully converted free throws to keep the Nuggets at bay.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the Pistons' strong home performance and their ability to close out games, while the Nuggets will need to address their recent struggles to regain their form. The Pistons' victory not only added to their series lead against the Nuggets but also reinforced their status as a formidable opponent in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DET -5.5 | 229.5 o -110 / u -110 | Denver Nuggets +160 · Detroit Pistons -192 |
Injury report
- Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
- Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
Leaders
- PointsCade Cunningham29Detroit Pistons
- AssistsCade Cunningham10Detroit Pistons
- ReboundsJalen Duren13Detroit Pistons
- PointsJamal Murray32Denver Nuggets
- AssistsJamal Murray8Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsNikola Jokic15Denver Nuggets
Recent form
Detroit Pistons
Last 10: 8-2Streak W2115.4 scored · 103.9 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W130-77vs Brooklyn NetsFeb 1
- W131-124at Golden State WarriorsJan 31
- L96-114at Phoenix SunsJan 30
- W109-107at Denver NuggetsJan 28
- W139-116vs Sacramento KingsJan 25
- L104-111vs Houston RocketsJan 24
- W112-104at New Orleans PelicansJan 22
- W104-103vs Boston CelticsJan 20
- W121-78vs Indiana PacersJan 18
- W108-105vs Phoenix SunsJan 16
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 5-4-1Streak L197.1 scored · 97.9 allowed per game2-0 away
- L111-121vs Oklahoma City ThunderFeb 2
- W122-109vs LA ClippersJan 31
- W107-103vs Brooklyn NetsJan 30
- L107-109vs Detroit PistonsJan 28
- D0-0at Memphis GrizzliesJan 25
- W102-100at Milwaukee BucksJan 24
- W107-97at Washington WizardsJan 23
- L107-115vs Los Angeles LakersJan 21
- L87-110vs Charlotte HornetsJan 19
- W121-115vs Washington WizardsJan 18
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
Box score
| Stat | Denver Nuggets | Detroit Pistons |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 37-83 | 43-94 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 10-30 | 12-29 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 41 |
| Free throws | 37-43 | 26-30 |
| Free throw % | 86 | 87 |
| Rebounds | 43 | 43 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 31 |
| Assists | 20 | 27 |
| Steals | 7 | 9 |
| Blocks | 10 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 3 | 3 |
| Technical fouls, total | 3 | 3 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 26 |
| Points in the paint | 52 | 58 |
| Fouls | 20 | 27 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 20 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 97 |
How the scoring went
- 4th Quarter84-95Cade Cunningham makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-96Cade Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-96Julian Strawther makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter86-98Cade Cunningham makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter89-98Nikola Jokic makes 27-foot three point jumper (Julian Strawther assists)
- 4th Quarter89-100Jalen Duren makes 4-foot dunk (Isaiah Stewart assists)
- 4th Quarter89-102Caris LeVert makes 3-foot running dunk (Isaiah Stewart assists)
- 4th Quarter91-102Jonas Valanciunas makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter91-105Javonte Green makes 25-foot running jump shot (Tobias Harris assists)
- 4th Quarter93-105Jamal Murray makes 5-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter93-107Javonte Green makes 6-foot running dunk (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter95-107Jonas Valanciunas makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter97-107Julian Strawther makes two point shot (Jonas Valanciunas assists)
- 4th Quarter98-107Peyton Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-107Peyton Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-110Duncan Robinson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jalen Duren assists)
- 4th Quarter101-110Peyton Watson makes driving layup (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter101-112Jalen Duren makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter102-112Peyton Watson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-112Peyton Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-112Christian Braun makes layup (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter106-112Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-112Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-112Jamal Murray makes 23-foot running jump shot (Julian Strawther assists)
- 4th Quarter110-115Tobias Harris makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cade Cunningham assists)
- 4th Quarter112-115Jamal Murray makes 7-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter112-117Cade Cunningham makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter113-117Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-117Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-118Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-119Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-120Cade Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-120Nikola Jokic makes driving layup (Peyton Watson assists)
- 4th Quarter116-121Javonte Green makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-122Javonte Green makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter119-122Jamal Murray makes 28-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter119-123Cade Cunningham makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter119-124Cade Cunningham makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter120-124Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter121-124Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 3
Win probability
Above the line favours Detroit Pistons, below favours Denver Nuggets.
Venue
- Little Caesars ArenaDetroit, MI
- Attendance19976
- OfficialsJosh Tiven, Jacyn Goble, Suyash Mehta
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