The Detroit Pistons fell just short against the Atlanta Hawks Wedneday, closing a 21-point deficit before losing in overtime, 130-129. They have a quick turnaround, hosting the New Orleans Pelicans at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday, March 26.
The Pelicans catch the Pistons without Cade Cunningham, who suffered a collapsed lung injury last week in Washington. Daniss Jenkins, the former two-way player, will start once again at point guard. All-Star center Jalen Duren has been dominant in 18 games since returning from a two-game suspension, averaging 23.3 points on 66.5% shooting with 11.1 rebounds. The Pistons are also down standout backup Isaiah Stewart (calf).
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Tobias Harris (left hip soreness) is questionable. New Orleans also could be down a key starter, as Trey Murphy III is questionable. Marcus Sasser (right hip strain) is probable to return from a three-game absence. Caris LeVert (left knee sorenss) is out.
[ Cade Cunningham has collapsed lung; a doctor explains what that means ]
Here’s how and what to watch for in tonight’s Pistons vs. Pelicans game, including the TV channel, streaming link, the lineups, injury report and betting odds.
Is Cade Cunningham playing today?
No. The Pistons’ superstar remains out after suffering a collapsed lung and is set to be reevaluated in about a week.
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Detroit Pistons vs New Orleans Pelicans prediction
Omari Sankofa II, Detroit Free Press: Despite being firmly outside of the play-in race, the Pelicans have incentive to win after trading their 2026 first-round pick to the Hawks last offseason. And they’re better than their record, after getting Dejounte Murray back from injury 11 games ago. The Pistons have had a tendency to bounce back from tough losses this season, and their lockdown defense should be able to wear the Pelicans down over 48 minutes. The pick: Pistons 117, Pelicans 114.
Pistons vs Pelicans game time
Matchup: Pistons (52-20) vs. Pelicans (40-32).
Date: Thursday, March 26.
Location: Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
Detroit Pistons vs New Orleans Pelicans TV channel
TV channel: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
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Detroit Pistons vs New Orleans Pelicans injury report
Updates on players on the 15-man roster.
OUT: Cade Cunningham, Isaiah Stewart, Caris LeVert
QUESTIONABLE: Tobias Harris
PROBABLE: Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, Duncan Robinson, Javonte Green, Marcus Sasser
New Orleans Pelicans injury report vs Detroit Pistons
Updates only on players on the 15-man roster.
QUESTIONABLE: Trey Murphy III.
AWARD SEASON NBPA pushes for Cade Cunningham awards eligibility
Detroit Pistons vs Pelicans starting lineups today
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) gets the rebound against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025.
Here’s the projected Pistons-Pelicans starting lineups:
Pistons: Daniss Jenkins (PG), Duncan Robinson (G/F), Ausar Thompson (F), Tobias Harris (PF), Jalen Duren (C).
Pelicans: Dejounte Murray (PG), Saddiq Bey (G/F), Trey Murphy (F), Zion Wiliamson (PF), Herb Jones (PF)
Off the bench for the Pistons: Caris LeVert (G/F), Javonte Green (G/F), Kevin Huerter (G/F), Ron Holland II (F), Paul Reed (C).
Off the bench for the Pelicans: Yves Missi, Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears, Karlo Matkovic.
SHAWN WINDSOR: Daniss Jenkins was best player on the court against Luka and LeBron
Pistons vs Pelicans odds
The Pelicans are small road underdogs at the Pistons:
Spread: Pistons by 4½ points.
Total O/U: 226½ points.
Moneyline: Pelicans +155, Pistons -190.
Odds provided by BetMGM as of Tuesday night.
Pistons schedule, upcoming games
Full Pistons 82-game schedule for the 2025-26 regular season. Here are the next five games after the Pelicans:
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Saturday, March 28: at Minnesota Timberwolves
Monday, March 30: at Oklahoma City Thunder
Tuesday, March 31: vs. Toronto Raptors
Thursday, April 2: vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Saturday, April 4: at Philadelphia 76ers
Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him on Bluesky and/or X @omarisankofa.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Is Cade Cunningham playing today? Detroit Pistons injuries vs Pelicans