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Detroit (33-11) at Denver (31-15)
- When: Jan 27 2026, 9:00 PM
- Where: Ball Arena, Denver, CO, USA
- TV: FDSDET
Detroit vs Denver Preview & Prediction
Spread: Detroit -6.5
Moneyline: Detroit (-250)
Total: 217.0
Detroit Pistons Betting Preview
January has a way of testing even the deepest teams, and Detroit is feeling that grind as it opens a demanding western road swing in Denver. The Pistons remain the class of the Eastern Conference, but they are not arriving at full strength or full rhythm.
Cade Cunningham has been battling a nagging wrist issue that cost him multiple games and disrupted his shooting touch for weeks. That said, he looked far more like himself in the most recent outing, erupting for a near triple double and showing the confidence Detroit needs from its leader. When Cunningham is aggressive, this offense changes entirely.
Detroit’s success has not been a one man show. Jalen Duren continues to control the paint nightly, and Tobias Harris provides steady scoring when defenses collapse on Cunningham. That balance helped Detroit jump out to a dominant start this season and maintain its spot atop the East.
Still, this trip represents a reality check. Denver is the first of three elite Western opponents, and Detroit has shown signs of easing off defensively on the road. That opens the door for a tighter margin than the betting line suggests, even if the Pistons ultimately escape with the win.
Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
Denver has spent much of the season in survival mode, yet somehow remains near the top of the Western Conference standings. Injuries, travel chaos, and constant lineup shuffling have not knocked this team out of contention.
The Nuggets were hit with another curveball recently after severe weather delayed travel and postponed a game, forcing extended downtime. While frustrating, the extra rest may help a roster already managing multiple hamstring concerns.
Aaron Gordon remains sidelined with recurring issues, and Jamal Murray has also been managing tightness. Despite that, Murray has carried the scoring load effectively, supported by Peyton Watson’s continued offensive growth.
The biggest storyline remains Nikola Jokic’s status. While he is inching closer to a return, Denver has learned how to stay competitive without him. At home, this group still plays with pride and pace, and they rarely get blown out in their own building.
That resilience makes Denver a live option against the number, especially catching this many points.
NBA Prediction and Betting Outlook
Detroit has the depth, star power, and late game execution to win this matchup, but the spot favors a closer finish. Denver’s home court, combined with Detroit’s road inconsistencies, points to a tighter contest than the spread indicates.
Expect Detroit to control the final minutes but fail to pull away decisively. Pistons win by four points, Nuggets cover the spread.
Final Score: Detroit 111, Denver 107
Lean: Denver +6.5
Total: Over 217.0
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
