The Indiana Pacers (1-12) and the Detroit Pistons (11-2) face off tonight at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit in a matchup between two teams on opposite ends of the Eastern Conference.

Detroit enters on a remarkable nine-game winning streak and sits atop the Eastern Conference. They’d own the NBA’s best record if not for the 13–1 Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Pistons’ offense isn’t overwhelming — they average a steady 118.2 points per game and rarely post huge scoring nights — but their defense is among the league’s most reliable. In regulation, they have yet to allow more than 116 points, and they’ve scored fewer than 111 only once. That two-way consistency is the backbone of their early success. Still, it’s worth noting they haven’t yet faced East heavyweights like the New York Knicks or Miami Heat.

Indiana, meanwhile, has lost nearly as many in a row as Detroit has won, entering tonight on a seven-game skid — most of them double-digit losses, including two by 31 or more.

With Tyrese Haliburton lost for the year before the season even tipped off, a return to the Finals was already unlikely, but this downturn has been extreme. It isn’t a collapse of talent so much as a roster decimated by injuries.

Pascal Siakam (24.6 PPG) continues to carry the load, but the Pacers keep losing key contributors. Aaron Nesmith — one of the few regulars from last season who’s stayed healthy — is now out for a month with a knee injury. There is some hope: Benedict Mathurin, who averaged 31.0 points in his two appearances before going down, may return soon.

But for tonight, the gap is too wide.

Prediction

With Detroit’s depth, home-court edge, and elite defensive steadiness against a depleted Pacers roster, expect a decisive double-digit win for the Pistons.

Prediction: Pistons 121, Pacers 102

Injury Report

Indiana Pacers

Quenton Jackson — Out (Nov 19)

Johnny Furphy — Out (Nov 19)

Bennedict Mathurin — Questionable (Nov 17)

Aaron Nesmith — Out (Dec 18)

Kam Jones — Out (Dec 3)

Detroit Pistons

Ausar Thompson — Questionable (Nov 17)

Bobi Klintman — Out (Nov 18)

Jalen Duren — Questionable (Nov 17)

Cade Cunningham — Questionable (Nov 17)

Jaden Ivey — Out (Nov 24)

How to Watch Pacers vs. Pistons

Tip-off for tonight’s Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons game is set for 7:00 PM Eastern / 6:00 PM Central at Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan. 

The game airs on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit for the Pistons’ region and FanDuel Sports Network Indiana for the Pacers’ region.

Fans in the Pacers and Pistons broadcast markets without a FanDuel Sports Network subscription can purchase one on Amazon here.

Out-of-market viewers can stream the matchup on NBA League Pass for free on Amazon Prime Video with a 7-day free trial here.

Amazon also offers a discounted subscription that starts at $12.74 for the first two months (then $16.99/month). The subscription also includes access to NBA TV.

Fans can also choose a Team Pass to follow one team’s games for $13.99 per month.

Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons

Date: Monday, November 17, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM Eastern / 6:00 PM Central

Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, FanDuel Sports Network Indiana

Streaming: NBA League Pass (out-of-market)