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The Indiana Pacers are set to face the Detroit Pistons on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM UTC. This matchup presents an intriguing opportunity for bettors, given the recent developments and performances of both teams.
Team Analysis
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have been grappling with significant injuries that have impacted their performance. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading to his absence for the upcoming season. This injury occurred early in the game when Haliburton attempted a drive and collapsed in pain; he was subsequently helped off the court. An MRI confirmed the damage, and surgery is scheduled with Dr. Martin O’Malley in New York. The typical recovery time for a basketball player with a torn Achilles tendon ranges from eight to ten months. Haliburton, 25, had been playing through a strained right calf, an injury he is believed to have sustained in Indiana’s Game 5 loss at Oklahoma City. With the game tied 16-16 and 5:03 … He managed nine points before the injury, contributing to his Finals averages of 14.0 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds. Without him, the Pacers were overcome 103-91, handing the Thunder the championship. Haliburton had been a pivotal player for the Pacers, averaging 18.6 points and 9.2 assists in the regular season and has career averages of 17.5 points and 8.8 assists across stints with the Kings and Pacers.
In addition to Haliburton’s absence, forward Obi Toppin is sidelined until at least February 2026 due to a partial stress fracture in his right foot, which requires surgery. The operation will be performed in New York next week. Toppin, who had a strong start to the 2025-26 season following increased responsibilities due to several teammates’ injuries, tallied 20 points in the season opener and was averaging 14.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He contributed 9.4 points and 3.8 rebounds in 19.1 minutes during the 2025 postseason as the Pacers reached Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The injury, initially reported as leg soreness during a game against the Timberwolves, has now been diagnosed as requiring surgical intervention. Toppin joins a growing list of injured Pacers players, including Tyrese Haliburton, T.J. McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, Johnny Furphy, and Kam Jones.
Despite these setbacks, the Pacers have shown resilience. In their most recent game, they secured a 111-100 victory against the Detroit Pistons on January 17, 2025. Led by Myles Turner’s 28 points and Pascal Siakam’s 26 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and four steals, the Pacers held a 69-56 halftime lead, benefiting from Detroit’s 13 turnovers. Despite Tim Hardaway Jr.’s 25 points and Cade Cunningham’s 20 points and nine assists for the Pistons, the Pacers built on their lead in the third quarter. Turner continued his strong performance, hitting crucial 3-pointers. The Pistons attempted a comeback, reducing the gap to 107-100 with less than two minutes left. However, Siakam secured the Pacers’ win with a midrange basket, showcasing the team’s resilience and strategic plays. The victory marked Indiana’s seventh win in eight games.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons have also faced challenges, notably the loss of guard Jaden Ivey to a broken left fibula after a collision with Orlando Magic’s Cole Anthony during their game on January 1, 2025. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter when Anthony fell into Ivey’s leg while they chased a loose ball, leaving Ivey in visible pain and requiring a stretcher to leave the court. The team reported that Ivey’s surgery was successful, and he will be re-evaluated in four weeks. Before his injury, Ivey had scored 22 points in the game. His teammate, Cade Cunningham, expressed the team’s concern and praised Ivey’s resilience. Ivey is currently averaging 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game this season, shooting 46% from the floor and 40.9% from three-point range. The 22-year-old was the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and has career averages of 16.1 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds over 181 games.
Despite Ivey’s absence, the Pistons have managed to maintain competitive performances. In their recent game against the New York Knicks, Cade Cunningham led the team with 32 points, marking the fourth time in his last six games that he has scored 30 or more points. Cunningham has been instrumental in filling the scoring void left by Ivey’s injury.
Key Matchup Factors
Head-to-Head History
In their last ten encounters, the Pacers have dominated the Pistons with a 7-3 record, including a 7-1 record against the spread (ATS). The Pacers have also won seven of the last eight games against Detroit.
Important Player Matchups
With Haliburton sidelined, the Pacers will rely heavily on Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam. Turner has been a consistent scorer and rebounder, while Siakam’s versatility adds depth to the offense. For the Pistons, Cade Cunningham’s scoring prowess will be crucial, especially in the absence of Ivey. His ability to drive the offense and create opportunities will be key to Detroit’s success.
Injuries and News
The Pacers’ injury list includes Tyrese Haliburton, Obi Toppin, T.J. McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, Johnny Furphy, and Kam Jones. The Pistons are without Jaden Ivey, with his return to be re-evaluated in four weeks.
Home/Away Performance
The Pacers have struggled on the road, losing their last ten games away from home. In contrast, the Pistons have been strong at home, winning seven of their last eight home games.
Betting Analysis
Spread Analysis
The Pacers have a 7-1 record against the spread in their last eight games against Detroit, indicating strong performance against the Pistons. However, their 0-10 record in their last ten road games suggests challenges when playing away. The Pistons’ 7-1 record in their last eight home games indicates strong home-court advantage.
Total (Over/Under) Analysis
The Pacers have gone under the total in nine of their last twelve games, while the Pistons have hit the over in four of their last six. This suggests a potential for a lower-scoring game.
Best Value Opportunities
Given the Pacers’ strong record against the spread against Detroit and the Pistons’ home-court advantage, betting on the Pistons to cover the spread may offer value. Additionally, considering the trend towards lower-scoring games, the under on the total points might be a prudent choice.
Prediction
Considering the Pacers’ injury challenges and their struggles on the road, coupled with the Pistons’ strong home performance, the Pistons are favored to win this matchup. Bettors should consider the Pistons to cover the spread and the under on the total points.
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