Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons Free Pick & NBA Betting Prediction, 1/17/26

Free Pick: Pacers vs. Pistons Odds

Looking for Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons Free NBA predictions? NBA betting sees the Pacers taking on the Pistons on 1/17 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA predictions like this Pacers Pistons free pick.

2026 NBA Handicapping – Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons

(9-32) Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons (29-10)
Date: Jan 17, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
NBA Moneyline Odds: Pacers +426 | Pistons -525  (Bet Now!)
Today’s NBA Point Spread Betting Odds: Pacers +13 | Pistons -13
NBA Basketball Gambling Total: O/U: 226.5

Here’s why I’m taking the underdog Indy as outlined in my Pacers Pistons free pick & gambling prediction for this matchup.

• Live Betting Odds for today’s Pacers vs. Pistons game!
• Want more basketball predictions like this Pacers Pistons play? Check out our free NBA AI Picks for today!
• View our Updated Sportsbook Bonuses for today!

Pacers vs. Pistons Gameday

Saturday serves up a match between the bookends of the Eastern Conference as the Indiana Pacers travel to Michigan to play the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.

Indy last played Wednesday in a 101-115 loss to the Toronto Raptors. Despite their opponent being down to eight players, the Pacers weren’t able to withstand the defensive pressure of Toronto. Five Pacers scored in double figures, led by Pascal Siakam with 26 points and 10 rebounds.

Meanwhile, the Pistons last played Thursday, defeating the Devin Booker-less Phoenix Suns 108-105. Six players scored in double figures, with Duncan Robinson the top scorer (19 points) and Cade Cunningham posting a double-double of 10 points and 11 assists.

We want to hear from you below! Comments are welcome! Give us your picks for this Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons NBA matchup.

Expert NBA Hoops Picks

Looking for an edge on tonight’s NBA board? Check out the featured premium plays from CappersPicks handicappers, with point spreads, moneylines, totals, and more from around the league.

No featured package found!

Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons Odds & Last 5

This is the third of four meetings between the Central Division rivals this season, with the Pistons up 2-0. Last year, the Pacers dominated, taking three of the four meetings.

Indy may only have nine wins this season; however, they’ve discovered something with three of those victories coming in the last four games. Still, they sit in the basement of the East with a 9-32 record as they set their sights on the lottery.

Detroit returned from its West Coast trip and immediately got back to business. They’ve gone 4-1 in the last five matches despite Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris, and Caris LeVert all missing matches due to injury. The Pistons sit atop the East with a 29-10 record.

The Pistons are favored by a 13-point spread with an over/under of 226.5 points.

Pacers Stats

Indiana has the 30th-ranked offense (108.4) and 18th-ranked defense (116.0). In addition, they run the 10th fastest pace (101.47) while ranking 27th in Net Rating (-7.6).

The Pacers average 110.6 points per game while their opponents average 118.3 points. In terms of dimes and boards, Indy averages 24.9 (tied for 22nd) and 42.8 (24th), respectively.

Indy’s team leaders* are Pascal Siakam for scoring (23.6 points) as well as for rebounds (6.9), and steals (1.3), Andrew Nembhard for assists (7.1),  and Jay Huff for blocks (2.1).

As for the perimeter, it’s a weakness for Indy, but eight players average 36.5% or more from deep with the team shooting 34.3% overall.

*minimum 10 games

Pistons Stats

Detroit ranks 11th offensively (116.2), second defensively (109.6), and third in net rating (+6.7) while running a pace of 100.74, which ranks 15th in the association.

The East’s top-place Pistons average 26.6 assists (tied for 12th) and 46.3 rebounds (4th). Detroit scores 117.6 points per game while its opponents average 111.1 points.

Team leaders* in the key categories are Cade Cunningham for scoring (26.2), assists (9.8), and steals (1.5), while Jalen Duren leads rebounding (10.9), and Isaiah Stewart leads for blocks (2.1).

Perimeter scoring is a weakness for the Pistons, who shoot with an efficiency of 35.0% as a team, with five players shooting over the league average.

*minimum 10 games played

Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons Basketball Betting Trends

• Indiana is 0-6 ATS in its last 6 games.
• The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Indiana’s last 12 games.
• Indiana is 0-7 SU in its last 7 games.
• Also, Detroit is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games.
• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit’s last 6 games against Indiana.
• Additionally, Detroit is 9-0 SU in its last 9 games.

Pacers Pistons Free Pick: Pacers +13

Here is my Pacers Pistons free pick.

Defense is the key for the Pistons, who excel at rebounding, rim protection, and forcing turnovers. The Pistons rank first in blocks, second in steals, and fourth in rebounding.

They score the third most points off turnovers in the league, which poses issues for all their opponents.

Don’t sleep on this match as these squads don’t have much affection for each other and the Pacers could turn this into a trap game if the Pistons aren’t careful. 

Frequent readers know I’m allergic to big spreads, and although I believe the Pistons will prevail, I’m taking the points and Indy to keep this match closer than 13 points.

Today’s NBA Free Pick

Best Sportsbooks For Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons NBA Gambling Today!

1

50% Up To $1000

Use Promo Code: CPICKS

Overall Rating:

• 50% Reload Bonuses
• Daily Player Promos
• Live Dealer Casino

Bet Now
MyBookie Sportsbook Review

MyBookie has been one of my go-to sportsbooks for years. The betting menu is loaded with props, live wagering and markets that go well beyond the usual sides and totals. Add easy mobile betting, crypto banking and competitive lines, and MyBookie gives me plenty of reasons to keep coming back. — Razor Ray

MORE DETAILS

2

50% Welcome Bonus

Use Promo Code: CPICKS

Overall Rating:

• Crypto Deposit Bonuses
• Same-Game Parlays
• Sports + Casino + Poker

Bet Now
BetOnline Sportsbook Review

BetOnline is where I go when I want to get serious about the number. Early lines, high limits and a massive betting board give me more chances to find an edge before the market catches up. Football is especially strong, but there’s no shortage of props, futures, live wagering and action across the major sports. I’ve learned over the years that half a point here and ten cents there can make a hell of a difference. BetOnline gives me another place to find them. — Razor Ray

MORE DETAILS

3

$750 Welcome Bonus

Use Promo Code: CPICKS

Overall Rating:

• Same-Game Parlays
• Overnight Lines
• Progressive Jackpots

Bet Now
Bovada Sportsbook Review

Bovada has been a major name in offshore betting since 2011, and there’s a reason gamblers know the brand. You get a loaded sportsbook, 300+ casino games, a busy poker room and a full-service racebook all under one account. Add live betting, props, mobile access and plenty of crypto banking options, and Bovada packs a ton of gambling into one place. Whether I’m betting NFL or College ball, or looking for something else to play, there’s never much hunting around required. — Razor Ray

MORE DETAILS

4

UP TO $200 In BETS

Use Promo Code: CPXB

Overall Rating:

• Reduced-Juice Lines
• 7% Racebook Rebate
• 100% Crypto Bonus

Bet Now
XBet Sportsbook Review

XBet calls itself “The Last Sportsbook You Will Ever Join.” That’s a hell of a promise, but they give you plenty of reasons to stick around. Live betting, same-game parlays, early cash-out and a rewards program add value long after the welcome bonus is gone. There’s also a full racebook, casino, crypto banking and a ton of sports to bet. I’m putting my money down anyway — I like a book that gives me something back for doing it. — Razor Ray

MORE DETAILS

5

Up To $250 In Free Bets

Use Promo Code: CPSB

Overall Rating:

• VIP Cash Rewards
• Live Betting & Props
• High Betting Limits

Bet Now
Sportsbetting.ag Sportsbook Review

SportsBetting.ag has been taking bets for more than 20 years, and the betting board gives you plenty of reasons to keep coming back. NFL, college football, hoops, baseball, hockey, golf, fights, motorsports — if there’s a line on it, chances are you’ll find it here. Add live bets, VIP rewards, casino, poker and horse racing, and there’s never a shortage of ways to get your money in play. I like choices, and SB gives me a pile of them. — Razor Ray

MORE DETAILS

NBA Betting Tweet Of The Day

“We know Jaden Ivey is a weapon…”

– #Pistons JB Bickerstaff pic.twitter.com/l1aztGqDxs

— Brandon Dent | @WoodwardSports #DetroitKoolAid (@DetroitKoolAid) January 16, 2026

All in all, if you’re looking for more NBA picks like Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons matchup, we’ll be providing 4* free NBA plays on the blog all season long. In fact, you can check out our NBA experts for guaranteed premium & free NBA basketball picks!

What’s more, register here for a FREE NBA Betting Account Now for daily free picks & more special offers! Lastly, what do you think, are you tailing this Pacers Pistons free pick?

About Tamberlyn Richardson

The Queen of the NBA is based in Toronto, Canada. Past work includes roles as the Managing Editor of Sixteen Wins A Ring. and Thunderous Intentions as well as a featured columnist for ESPN True Hoop Affiliate, Raptors Republic. Stay tuned for winning NBA predictions night after night!

Filed Under: NBA Basketball