PREVIEW: The Detroit Pistons (31-10) will look to extend a three-game winning streak when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans (10-35) on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Smoothie King Center as 9.5-point favorites. Detroit has established itself as one of the league's most consistent and disciplined teams, winning eight of their last ten games overall and chasing a fourth straight victory after edging the Boston Celtics in a tense 104-103 home win, showcasing efficient offense paired with elite defense and strong late-game execution. Defense has been the foundation of Detroit's rise, allowing just 110.1 points per game to rank third league-wide. The Pistons boast elite rim defense ranking first in stopping shots attacking the basket, while also generating turnovers at the second-best rate in the league. The Pelicans are stuck in a prolonged slump with no easy answers in sight, having lost 13 of their last 15 games and coming off a 119-110 road loss to Houston on Sunday. New Orleans ranks 21st in scoring at 114.9 points per game, pushing the pace with the ninth-most field goal attempts but struggling with efficiency, shooting just 20th in field goal percentage. The Pelicans' offense thrives attacking the rim at the league's best rate, yet their defensive vulnerabilities show up starkly as they allow the second-most 3-point attempts and rank near the bottom in rim protection. Injuries have only compounded New Orleans' troubles, with Jose Alvarado and Dejounte Murray remaining sidelined while Herbert Jones is questionable.