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NBA · Final

Pistons Defeat Pelicans 112-104 in Close Contest

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center

Detroit Pistons 112, New Orleans Pelicans 104, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.

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Quick answers

Who won Detroit Pistons vs New Orleans Pelicans?

Detroit Pistons beat New Orleans Pelicans 112-104 at Smoothie King Center on January 21, 2026.

Who was favored in Detroit Pistons vs New Orleans Pelicans?

Detroit Pistons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -270 (about 73% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested game, the Detroit Pistons emerged victorious over the New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 112-104 at the Smoothie King Center. This win marks the Pistons' second victory over the Pelicans this season, extending their lead in the series to 2-0. The Pistons, boasting a strong away record of 32-10, have been in solid form, winning seven of their last ten games, including a current winning streak of three games. In contrast, the Pelicans have struggled significantly, holding a home record of 10-36 and winning only two of their last ten games, with their recent performance reflecting a losing streak of two games.

The Pelicans entered the game with a scoring average of 112.5 points while allowing 119.1 points over their last ten games. Their recent results included a loss to the Houston Rockets (110-119) and a loss to the Indiana Pacers (119-127). The Pistons, on the other hand, averaged 110.7 points and allowed only 101.3 points in their last ten outings, showcasing a much more balanced performance. Their recent victories included a narrow win against the Boston Celtics (104-103) and a dominant win over the Indiana Pacers (121-78).

At home, the Pelicans have struggled, with a record of 1-3 in their last four home games, while the Pistons have performed well on the road, holding a 5-2 record in their last seven away games. The matchup's odds, provided by DraftKings, had the Pistons favored by 7.5 points, reflecting their strong season performance compared to the struggling Pelicans. The total points line was set at 233.5, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring game.

In terms of injuries, the Pelicans had two players listed as day-to-day: Micah Peavy, who was resting, and Bryce McGowens, who was dealing with a toe issue. Their absence could have impacted the Pelicans' depth and overall performance.

The game was characterized by a series of scoring plays that kept the tension high, particularly in the fourth quarter. Saddiq Bey was instrumental for the Pistons, contributing key free throws and a crucial three-point jumper, while Jalen Duren added significant points with two-pointers and free throws. For the Pelicans, Trey Murphy III hit a late three-pointer, but it was not enough to close the gap.

Overall, the Pistons' strong defensive performance and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities were decisive factors in their victory. As the season progresses, the Pelicans will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and find ways to improve their home performance if they hope to turn their fortunes around.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsDET -7.5 233.5 o -108 / u -112 Detroit Pistons -270 · New Orleans Pelicans +220

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

  • Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
  • Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans

Leaders

  • PointsSaddiq Bey20New Orleans Pelicans
  • AssistsDerik Queen8New Orleans Pelicans
  • ReboundsMicah Peavy7New Orleans Pelicans
  • PointsJalen Duren20Detroit Pistons
  • AssistsDaniss Jenkins4Detroit Pistons
  • ReboundsJalen Duren15Detroit Pistons

Recent form

New Orleans Pelicans

Last 10: 2-8Streak L2112.5 scored · 119.1 allowed per game1-3 at home

  • L110-119at Houston RocketsJan 19
  • L119-127at Indiana PacersJan 17
  • W116-113vs Brooklyn NetsJan 15
  • L116-122vs Denver NuggetsJan 14
  • L118-128at Orlando MagicJan 11
  • W128-107at Washington WizardsJan 10
  • L100-117at Atlanta HawksJan 8
  • L103-111vs Los Angeles LakersJan 7
  • L106-125at Miami HeatJan 4
  • L109-122vs Portland Trail BlazersJan 3

Detroit Pistons

Last 10: 7-3Streak W3110.7 scored · 101.3 allowed per game2-1 away

  • W104-103vs Boston CelticsJan 20
  • W121-78vs Indiana PacersJan 18
  • W108-105vs Phoenix SunsJan 16
  • L92-98vs LA ClippersJan 11
  • W108-93vs Chicago BullsJan 8
  • W121-90vs New York KnicksJan 6
  • W114-110at Cleveland CavaliersJan 4
  • L112-118vs Miami HeatJan 2
  • W128-106at Los Angeles LakersDec 31
  • L99-112at LA ClippersDec 29

Standings

TeamGames behindLostStreakWin %Won
Detroit-22W3.73260
Cleveland830W1.63452
Milwaukee2850L1.39032
Chicago2951L2.37831
Indiana4163L2.23219
San Antonio-20L1.75662
Houston1030W1.63452
New Orleans3656L2.31726
Dallas3656W1.31726
Memphis3757L8.30525

Box score

StatDetroit PistonsNew Orleans Pelicans
Field goals39-8836-86
Field goal %4442
Three-pointers15-397-32
Three-point %3822
Free throws19-2425-30
Free throw %7983
Rebounds4746
Offensive rebounds1314
Defensive rebounds3432
Assists2619
Steals1213
Blocks86
Turnovers1817
Team turnovers22
Technical fouls10
Technical fouls, total10
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers2632
Fast-break points3616
Points in the paint4854
Fouls2120
Largest lead130
Lead changes00
Time in front990

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter78-70Trey Murphy III makes running dunk (Derik Queen assists)
  2. 3rd Quarter78-72Jeremiah Fears makes running layup
  3. 3rd Quarter81-72Duncan Robinson makes 26-foot three pointer (Jalen Duren assists)
  4. 3rd Quarter81-73Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
  5. 3rd Quarter81-74Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
  6. 3rd Quarter82-74Jalen Duren makes free throw 1 of 2
  7. 3rd Quarter83-74Jalen Duren makes free throw 2 of 2
  8. 3rd Quarter86-74Duncan Robinson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Daniss Jenkins assists)
  9. 3rd Quarter86-76Yves Missi makes driving layup
  10. 3rd Quarter86-78Trey Murphy III makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot
  11. 3rd Quarter88-78Jalen Duren makes driving layup (Ausar Thompson assists)
  12. 3rd Quarter88-80Jeremiah Fears makes tip shot
  13. 3rd Quarter89-80Jaden Ivey makes free throw 2 of 2
  14. 3rd Quarter89-82Kevon Looney makes two point shot
  15. 3rd Quarter89-84Micah Peavy makes tip shot
  16. 4th Quarter92-84Ronald Holland II makes 27-foot running pullup jump shot (Isaiah Stewart assists)
  17. 4th Quarter94-84Ronald Holland II makes running dunk (Isaiah Stewart assists)
  18. 4th Quarter94-85Jordan Poole makes free throw 1 of 2
  19. 4th Quarter96-85Javonte Green makes 1-foot running dunk (Marcus Sasser assists)
  20. 4th Quarter96-87Kevon Looney makes tip shot
  21. 4th Quarter96-89Micah Peavy makes 1-foot layup (Derik Queen assists)
  22. 4th Quarter99-89Javonte Green makes 23-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Stewart assists)
  23. 4th Quarter99-90Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
  24. 4th Quarter99-91Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
  25. 4th Quarter101-91Marcus Sasser makes 2-foot driving floating jump shot
  26. 4th Quarter101-92Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
  27. 4th Quarter101-93Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
  28. 4th Quarter101-96Micah Peavy makes 24-foot three point jumper (Saddiq Bey assists)
  29. 4th Quarter103-96Ausar Thompson makes 1-foot dunk (Duncan Robinson assists)
  30. 4th Quarter105-96Daniss Jenkins makes 2-foot two point shot
  31. 4th Quarter106-96Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 1
  32. 4th Quarter107-96Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 2
  33. 4th Quarter107-97Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
  34. 4th Quarter107-98Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
  35. 4th Quarter109-98Jalen Duren makes two point shot
  36. 4th Quarter109-101Saddiq Bey makes 24-foot three point jumper (Yves Missi assists)
  37. 4th Quarter110-101Jalen Duren makes free throw 1 of 2
  38. 4th Quarter111-101Jalen Duren makes free throw 2 of 2
  39. 4th Quarter112-101Daniss Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 2
  40. 4th Quarter112-104Trey Murphy III makes 25-foot three point jumper (Micah Peavy assists)

Win probability

Above the line favours New Orleans Pelicans, below favours Detroit Pistons.

Venue

  • Smoothie King CenterNew Orleans, LA
  • Attendance15502
  • OfficialsBrian Forte, Brandon Schwab, Jenna Reneau

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.