The Lakers visit Detroit at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. ET on NBA TV. Detroit is favored by 4.5, and the total I’m using is 220.5. Luka Doncic just scored 53 against Portland. Detroit’s best chance is to make him work for his own shots without opening up easy ones for the rest of the Lakers. See the rest of our NBA picks.
Los Angeles Can Stay Close Even if the Pace Slows
The Lakers are 8-2, including 3-1 on the road, after beating Portland 124-118 on Friday. They outscored the Blazers 34-15 in the third quarter. That kind of run may be harder to find in Detroit, but the Lakers don’t need a repeat of Friday’s scoring to stay inside this spread.
Los Angeles averaged 121.8 points and allowed 113.9 through its first nine games. Detroit presents a tougher test because it can force opponents to use more of the clock. I expect the Lakers to lean on screens and switches, then attack the matchup they get rather than trying to outrun Detroit from the opening tip.
Doncic’s 53 against Portland is the obvious number, but the more useful question is what happens after Detroit sends a second defender. If he can make the next pass before the help gets set, the Lakers can find enough good shots to hang around. If Detroit keeps him in front with one defender, the Lakers may have to win a much more difficult shooting game.
Detroit Can Win With Stops and Second Chances
The Pistons are 6-2 and 2-1 at home. They’ve had extra rest since losing 112-106 to Philadelphia on Wednesday. Detroit kept the game close despite scoring only 106. That’s the kind of game the Pistons can win if they get a little more from their offense.
Detroit averages 111.1 points and allows 101.8. The Pistons can use that defense to make the Lakers play at their pace, then attack before Los Angeles gets set after a stop. The difficulty is finishing the defensive possession. Holding the Lakers to a tough first shot means less if they get another chance.
Cade Cunningham scored 33 in Detroit’s 124-91 win at Charlotte on Monday. He gives Detroit an answer when transition chances dry up. Jalen Duren was reported out with a hamstring injury, which matters when Detroit needs someone to help at the rim and still get back to box out. That’s a bigger concern for the cover than for the outright pick.
Lakers vs Pistons Matchup Chart
| Category | LA Lakers | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 8-2 | 6-2 |
| Road or home record | 3-1 road | 2-1 home |
| Points per game through Nov. 5 | 121.8 | 111.1 |
| Points allowed through Nov. 5 | 113.9 | 101.8 |
| Most recent result | Beat Portland 124-118 | Lost to Philadelphia 112-106 |
Los Angeles Lakers vs Detroit Pistons Picks and Prediction
Spread Pick: Los Angeles Lakers +4.5
I like Detroit to win, but I’ll take the Lakers with 4.5. Doncic can get Los Angeles a usable shot late in the clock, and Duren’s absence gives the Lakers a better chance to finish around the rim. Detroit can cover if it consistently turns stops into quick baskets. I see a closer game if the Lakers take care of the ball.
Total Pick: Under 220.5
Detroit has held opponents near 102 points per game. I expect it to make the Lakers spend more time working for their first good look than Portland did Friday. The risk is that Los Angeles finds enough paint scoring without Duren on the floor to force Detroit into a faster game. My projection is Detroit 109, Los Angeles 108.
Final Picks: Los Angeles Lakers +4.5 and Under 220.5.
Completed November 7, 2026. Betting lines and player availability can change before tipoff.