Pistons Edge Raptors in Close Contest
Friday, October 16, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Little Caesars Arena
Detroit Pistons 129, Toronto Raptors 125, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Toronto Raptors vs Detroit Pistons?
Detroit Pistons beat Toronto Raptors 129-125 at Little Caesars Arena on October 16, 2026.
Who was favored in Toronto Raptors vs Detroit Pistons?
Detroit Pistons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -485 (about 83% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Pistons narrowly defeated the Toronto Raptors with a final score of 129-125. This game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Pistons improving their home record to 4-0 and solidifying their position with a strong overall record of 3-1. The Raptors, on the other hand, fell to 2-3 on the season, continuing a challenging start for the away team.
The Pistons have been in impressive form lately, boasting an overall record of 8-2 in their last ten games, and they are currently on a one-game winning streak. They have averaged 119.6 points scored while allowing 109.9 points per game during this stretch. Their recent performances include a convincing victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where they won 128-106, and a close win against the Phoenix Suns, finishing 109-107. In their last five games, they have maintained a record of 4-1, with an average of 119.2 points scored and 109.6 points allowed.
Conversely, the Raptors have had a mixed bag of results, with a record of 6-4 over their last ten games. They are currently on a one-game losing streak, having lost to the New York Knicks 120-122 in their most recent outing. The Raptors have also averaged 119.6 points scored while allowing 108.8 points during this stretch. Their last five games have seen them go 3-2, scoring an average of 124.6 points while allowing 111.2.
The Pistons have shown strong performance at home, maintaining an undefeated record of 4-0, while the Raptors have struggled on the road with a record of 1-3. This home advantage has been crucial for Detroit, and they carried that momentum into this game.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Pistons have a slight edge over the Raptors, leading the season series 2-1. Their most recent encounter prior to this game was on April 1, 2026, where the Pistons emerged victorious with a score of 127-116. The previous matchups have demonstrated a competitive rivalry, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities.
Injury concerns for the Raptors could have played a role in their performance. Several key players were listed as day-to-day, including Ja'Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead, Collin Murray-Boyles, Jakob Poeltl, and RJ Barrett, all resting for this game. The absence of these players might have impacted the Raptors' ability to execute their game plan effectively.
The betting market reflected the Pistons' strong home performance, with DraftKings listing them as 12.5-point favorites. The total for the game was set at 219.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. The moneyline odds were -485 for the Pistons and +370 for the Raptors, further emphasizing the Pistons' status as the favored team.
The game conditions were conducive to an exciting matchup, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm early on. Fans were treated to a display of skill and determination, particularly in the fourth quarter, where the lead changed hands multiple times. Key moments included free throws from Trayce Jackson-Davis and Elijah Harkless, which ultimately helped secure the Pistons' victory.
As the game drew to a close, the Pistons capitalized on their opportunities, with Harkless making crucial free throws that pushed the score to 129-125. The Raptors fought valiantly, but ultimately fell short, unable to convert in the final moments.
This matchup not only highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of both teams but also set the stage for their upcoming series, which starts on November 20. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, with the Pistons aiming to maintain their strong home form and the Raptors seeking to improve their road record.
What we said beforehand
The Detroit Pistons will host the Toronto Raptors at Little Caesars Arena on October 16, 2026, in a matchup that promises to be compelling given both teams' recent performances and the stakes involved. The Pistons enter this game with a home record of 2-1, while the Raptors are slightly behind with an away record of 2-2. The odds from DraftKings indicate that the Pistons are favored by 10.5 points, with a total set at 219.5 points, reflecting expectations for a competitive game.
In their last five games, the Pistons have secured three wins and two losses. They recently defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves with a score of 128-106 on October 15, 2026, following a loss to the Washington Wizards in overtime (114-108) on October 10. Their other victories include a narrow win against the Phoenix Suns (109-107) and a solid win against the Cleveland Cavaliers (115-94). This gives them a recent average of 119.2 points scored and 109.6 points allowed in their last five matches. Overall, the Pistons have an impressive record of 8-2 in their last ten games, showcasing their ability to score effectively while maintaining a strong defense.
On the other hand, the Raptors have had a mixed bag of results in their last five games, with two wins and three losses. Their most recent game ended in a close defeat against the New York Knicks (120-122) on October 15, 2026. Prior to that, they enjoyed a dominant victory over the Knicks (148-98) on October 13, 2026, and a win against the LA Clippers (114-106) on October 10. However, they also suffered losses to the Miami Heat (105-129) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (114-102). The Raptors have averaged 124.6 points scored and allowed 111.2 points in their last five games, indicating a high-scoring potential but also some defensive vulnerabilities.
Historically, the Pistons have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Raptors, holding a 2-1 record in their last three matchups this season. Their most recent encounter occurred on April 1, 2026, when the Pistons won 127-116 at home. The Raptors' lone victory came earlier in the season on February 12, 2026, where they triumphed 113-95. The Pistons will look to maintain their home dominance against the Raptors, who have struggled on the road with a 1-3 record in their last four away games.
In terms of injuries, the Raptors are facing challenges with several key players listed as day-to-day, including Jakob Poeltl, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Kawhi Leonard, and Scottie Barnes, all of whom are resting. The absence of these players could significantly impact the Raptors' performance, especially against a Pistons team that has been strong at home.
As for the conditions, the game will take place at Little Caesars Arena, where the Pistons have been particularly strong, boasting a perfect 4-0 record at home in their last ten games. The venue is known for its energetic atmosphere, which could play a crucial role in the Pistons' performance.
Viewers should watch for the Pistons' offensive strategy, particularly how they leverage their scoring ability against a potentially undermanned Raptors defense. Additionally, the effectiveness of the Raptors' offense, especially in the absence of key players, will be critical in determining the outcome of this matchup. With both teams showing flashes of brilliance, this game is set to be an exciting encounter in the early NBA season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DET -12.5 | 219.5 o -110 / u -110 | Toronto Raptors +370 · Detroit Pistons -485 |
Injury report
- Ja'Kobe WalterDay-To-DayRestToronto Raptors
- Jamal SheadDay-To-DayRestToronto Raptors
- Collin Murray-BoylesDay-To-DayRestToronto Raptors
- Jakob PoeltlDay-To-DayRestToronto Raptors
- RJ BarrettDay-To-DayRestToronto Raptors
Leaders
- PointsCade Cunningham18Detroit Pistons
- AssistsCade Cunningham7Detroit Pistons
- ReboundsJohn Collins8Detroit Pistons
- PointsMalachi Smith24Toronto Raptors
- AssistsJaden Bradley5Toronto Raptors
- ReboundsAllen Graves8Toronto Raptors
Recent form
Detroit Pistons
Last 10: 8-2Streak W1119.6 scored · 109.9 allowed per game4-0 at home
- W128-106at Minnesota TimberwolvesOct 15
- L108-114at Washington WizardsOct 10
- W109-107vs Phoenix SunsOct 5
- W133-121at Indiana PacersApr 12
- W118-100at Charlotte HornetsApr 10
- W137-111vs Milwaukee BucksApr 8
- L107-123at Orlando MagicApr 6
- W116-93at Philadelphia 76ersApr 4
- W113-108vs Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 2
- W127-116vs Toronto RaptorsApr 1
Toronto Raptors
Last 10: 6-4Streak L1119.6 scored · 108.8 allowed per game1-3 away
- L120-122at New York KnicksOct 15
- W148-98vs New York KnicksOct 13
- W114-106vs LA ClippersOct 10
- L105-129vs Miami HeatOct 3
- W136-101vs Brooklyn NetsApr 12
- L95-112at New York KnicksApr 10
- W128-114vs Miami HeatApr 9
- W121-95vs Miami HeatApr 7
- L101-115at Boston CelticsApr 5
- W128-96at Memphis GrizzliesApr 4
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | - | 0 | W4 | 1.000 | 4 |
| Brooklyn | 1 | 1 | L1 | .750 | 3 |
| Toronto | 2.5 | 3 | L2 | .400 | 2 |
| Philadelphia | 3 | 3 | L3 | .250 | 1 |
| New York | 3.5 | 4 | W1 | .200 | 1 |
| Detroit | - | 1 | W2 | .750 | 3 |
| Chicago | 1 | 2 | W1 | .500 | 2 |
| Milwaukee | 1.5 | 3 | W1 | .400 | 2 |
| Cleveland | 1.5 | 2 | L1 | .333 | 1 |
| Indiana | 2 | 3 | L3 | .250 | 1 |
Box score
| Stat | Toronto Raptors | Detroit Pistons |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 36-85 | 47-81 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 58 |
| Three-pointers | 14-38 | 14-34 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 41 |
| Free throws | 39-46 | 21-32 |
| Free throw % | 85 | 66 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 16 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 27 |
| Assists | 20 | 29 |
| Steals | 10 | 11 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 19 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 2 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 26 | 25 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 19 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 62 |
| Fouls | 28 | 35 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 18 | 18 |
| Time in front | 21 | 65 |
How the scoring went
- 4th Quarter93-99Nimari Burnett makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tyreke Key assists)
- 4th Quarter94-99Trayce Jackson-Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-99Trayce Jackson-Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-99Malachi Smith makes two point shot (Nimari Burnett assists)
- 4th Quarter100-99Malachi Smith makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tyreke Key assists)
- 4th Quarter101-99Malachi Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-99Malachi Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-102Chaz Lanier makes 23-foot three point jumper (Elijah Harkless assists)
- 4th Quarter103-102Trayce Jackson-Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-102Trayce Jackson-Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-104Ebuka Okorie makes driving layup (Tolu Smith assists)
- 4th Quarter104-106Elijah Harkless makes 3-foot running dunk
- 4th Quarter104-107Ebuka Okorie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-107Trayce Jackson-Davis makes layup
- 4th Quarter106-109Ebuka Okorie makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter107-109Jaden Bradley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-109Jaden Bradley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-111Ebuka Okorie makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter108-114Elijah Harkless makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ebuka Okorie assists)
- 4th Quarter111-114Tyson Degenhart makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaden Bradley assists)
- 4th Quarter113-114Trayce Jackson-Davis makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter113-116Isaac Jones makes driving layup (Chaz Lanier assists)
- 4th Quarter113-117Isaac Jones makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter114-117Trayce Jackson-Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-117Trayce Jackson-Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-120Ebuka Okorie makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 4th Quarter118-120Tyreke Key makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaden Bradley assists)
- 4th Quarter118-122Isaac Jones makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter119-122Tyreke Key makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter119-123Isaac Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter119-124Ebuka Okorie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter119-125Ebuka Okorie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter120-125Trayce Jackson-Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter121-125Trayce Jackson-Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter124-125Nimari Burnett makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tyson Degenhart assists)
- 4th Quarter124-126Ebuka Okorie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter124-127Ebuka Okorie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter125-127Trayce Jackson-Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter125-128Elijah Harkless makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter125-129Elijah Harkless makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Detroit Pistons, below favours Toronto Raptors.
Venue
- Little Caesars ArenaDetroit, MI
- Attendance12639
- OfficialsBen Taylor, Andy Nagy, Chelisa Painter
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Picks for NBA
NBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Pistons Defeat Raptors 127-116 at HomeMar 31, 2026
- Raptors Defeat Pistons 119-108 at HomeMar 15, 2026
- Pistons Overcome Raptors in Dominant VictoryFeb 11, 2026