Jan. 23, 2026, 6:25 a.m. ET

The Houston Rockets (26-16) face the Detroit Pistons (32-10) Friday in Detroit, Michigan. Tip-off from Little Caesars Arena is set for 7 p.m. ET (Prime Video). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Rockets vs. Pistons odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Pistons lead 1-0 with 115-111 home win Oct. 24

The Rockets saw their 3-game winning streak end Thursday with a 128-122 overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Houston failed to cover as 2-point road favorites as the Over (221.5) hit. F Kevin Durant scored 36 points, and G Amen Thompson added 17 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds and 3 steals, but 17 Houston turnovers proved costly.

Detroit extended its winning streak to 4 games Wednesday with a 112-104 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pistons never trailed and covered as 7-point road favorites as the Under (233.5) cashed. C Jalen Duren finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds, G Daniss Jenkins added 17 points, and G Duncan Robinson scored 15 points on 4-of-9 shooting from 3-point range.

Watch the NBA on Fubo!Rockets at Pistons odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:09 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rockets +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Pistons -190 (bet $190 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Rockets +4.5 (-110) | Pistons -4.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Rockets at Pistons key injuries

Rockets

(Not submitted yet – Before Thursday’s game)

G Aaron Holiday (back) out

PIstons

G Cade Cunningham (hip) questionableG Caris LeVert (illness) doubtfulG Duncan Robinson (back) probable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Rockets at Pistons picks and predictionsPrediction

Pistons 110, Rockets 106

PASS.

The Pistons (-190) will extend their winning streak to 5 on Friday, but I’ll take my wager to the spread.

BET PISTONS -4.5 (-110).

You’ve got a matchup between 2 conference contenders, with Detroit sitting atop the East and Houston holding fourth in the West. Detroit has been dominant at home, posting a 17-4 record, and has won and covered the last 2 meetings between the teams. The Pistons have been the NBA’s top defensive unit in January, leading the league with a 100.2 defensive rating and holding opponents to 105 points or fewer in 7 straight games.

Detroit has won 8 of its last 10 and covered in 6, while Houston has failed to cover in 8 of the last 10. With elite defense, strong recent form and Houston missing a key playmaker, Detroit is positioned to cover again.

BET UNDER 217.5 (-105).

The Under is difficult to overlook in this matchup. The total has stayed Under in 4 straight meetings between the Rockets and Pistons. The Under has also hit in 8 of Houston’s last 10 games and 9 of Detroit’s last 10. Detroit owns the NBA’s third-best scoring defense, allowing 109.9 points per game, and has held each of its last 7 opponents under 105. With both teams trending low, the under remains the preferred play.

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