Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons Picks and Predictions for Sunday, November 8, 2026
On Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers play on the road at Little Caesars Arena versus the Detroit Pistons. Los Angeles is first (8-2) in the Pacific Division and has won each of its last four, including a 124-118 win over Portland on Friday. Detroit (6-2) is first in the Central. The Pistons’ three-game winning run was snapped on Wednesday when they fell to Philadelphia 112-106. The Lakers are 3-1 on the road, and Detroit is 2-1 at home. Tipoff is at 6:00 pm ET on NBA TV and Spectrum SportsNet. Cash in a winner with our free NBA picks.
Los Angeles Lakers Riding Four Straight
Portland couldn't find an answer for Luka Doncic on Friday. The Lakers star erupted for 53 points, carrying Los Angeles to a 124-118 victory and extending its winning streak to four games. The Lakers have won four of five, with their offense doing most of the work. Los Angeles averages 121.8 points per game but allows 114.3. That defensive number could become an issue against a Detroit team that has defended well this season.
Doncic has dominated the scoring, reaching 40.1 points per game through nine appearances after Friday's performance. Doncic is also averaging 8.1 rebounds and 8.0 assists, while Austin Reaves provides another scoring threat at 23.3 points. Walker Kessler leads the Lakers with 10.2 rebounds and 2.7 blocks. Los Angeles shoots 51.2% from the floor, but its 39.9 rebounds and 16.9 turnovers per game leave opportunities for opponents.
Injuries: No injuries reported for Los Angeles.
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Detroit Pistons Looking for a Response
Detroit's late rally against Philadelphia wasn't quite enough Wednesday. The Pistons erased much of a 17-point deficit before losing 112-106, snapping their three-game winning streak. Duncan Robinson scored 27 points, while Cade Cunningham finished with 26 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds. Detroit has won three of five and sits atop the Central Division. The Pistons score 111.1 points per game, allowing just 101.8. Defense has been their strongest weapon through eight games.
Cunningham leads Detroit with averages of 24.0 points and 7.6 assists per game. Robinson follows at 19.0 points, shooting 47.9% from three. Ausar Thompson handles much of the rebounding work, collecting 8.6 boards per contest. Detroit averages 44.0 rebounds and 26.9 assists while shooting 46.8% overall. The Pistons don't match the Lakers' scoring numbers, but their defensive play and rebounding could make this a difficult time for Los Angeles.
Injuries: Jalen Duren is out. Isaiah Joe is a game-time decision.
Key To The Game
Detroit cannot give Doncic the same freedom Portland did. The Lakers shoot 51.2%, yet the Pistons allow only 101.8 points per contest. Detroit also averages 44.0 rebounds to Los Angeles' 39.9, a way for the Pistons to see more possessions. Cunningham must keep the ball moving without letting the Lakers dictate every exchange.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons Game Pick
- Detroit Pistons
Los Angeles has the hottest scorer in basketball, and Doncic's 53-point night against Portland is impossible to ignore. But Detroit brings the stronger defense, allowing 101.8 points compared with the Lakers' 114.3. The Pistons also have a 4.1-rebound advantage per game. Cunningham can create shots for others with his 7.6 assists, and Robinson's outside shooting gives Detroit another weapon. The Lakers have won four straight, so this won't be easy. Still, the home side has enough strength and rebounding to disrupt Los Angeles' rhythm. I'll take the Pistons.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons Over/Under Pick
- Under
Detroit's scoring numbers point toward a tougher night for the Lakers. The Pistons allow only 101.8 points per game and just held Philadelphia to 112, even in defeat. Los Angeles averages 121.8, and Doncic can score in bunches, so the threat of a high total is clear. Detroit, however, puts up 111.1 itself and will want to avoid trading baskets with the visitors. Cunningham can manage possessions, while Thompson helps Detroit on the glass. This looks more like a game decided by defensive stops than another Lakers shootout. Under is my play.
