Pistons Host Spurs in Crucial NBA Matchup

DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Pistons (40-32) will welcome the San Antonio Spurs (31-39) for an inter-conference regular-season matchup on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 7 p.m. EDT at Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons aim to maintain their sixth position in the Eastern Conference while the Spurs look to extend their three-game winning streak, despite being 13th in the Western Conference.

The Pistons are coming off a narrow victory against the New Orleans Pelicans, winning by six points without their star player Cade Cunningham. Ron Holand II led the team with 26 points and six assists. Detroit has secured a playoff berth and will rely on their youthful core to continue their winning momentum, especially as they face a tough schedule ahead that includes games against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder.

“We need Cade back in full form to navigate this challenging stretch,” Pistons coach Dwane Casey said. “His leadership and skills are pivotal for our success.”

Expected starters for Detroit include: PG Cade Cunningham, SG Malik Beasley, SF Ausar Thompson, PF Tobias Harris, and C Jalen Duren. Cunningham’s status remains uncertain with a calf injury, while Jaden Ivey is out for the season.

In contrast, the Spurs are riding high after a 34-point win against the Toronto Raptors, with Devin Vassell scoring 25 points. The team, despite missing top players Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, has adjusted well under the leadership of their remaining core, managing to stay competitive in the league.

“We’ve had a lot of guys step up,” said Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich. “It’s about resilience and playing the right way.”

San Antonio’s expected starters include PG Chris Paul, SG Stephon Castle, SG/SF Devin Vassell, SF/PF Harrison Barnes, and C Bismack Biyombo. Both Wembanyama and Fox are confirmed out for the season, further solidifying the team’s focus on developmental roles for younger players.

Detroit ranks eighth in the NBA for rebounds, averaging 45.1 per game, while San Antonio follows closely behind with 40.6. Notably, the Pistons have a solid defense but struggle against three-point shooting, positioning this game as a test for both teams to establish their offensive strengths.

“We need to take advantage of their weaknesses, especially from beyond the arc,” Vassell noted. “We have good shooters, and if we can find clean looks, it could be a game-changer for us.”

The latest betting odds favor Detroit by 10.5 points, with a total over/under set at 233.5 points. This matchup not only showcases two teams with different trajectories this season but also highlights the resilience and adaptability of the Spurs in a rebuilding phase against a Pistons team eager for playoff success.

As fans eagerly anticipate the matchup, both teams will look to impose their will on the court and determine the outcome of this pivotal game.