Houston Rockets vs Detroit Pistons Picks and Prediction for Friday January 23 2026

By: Eddie Kline Published 01/23/2026, 12:15 AM ET

Rockets Preview

The Friday NBA schedule will get underway with a matchup between the Houston Rockets and the Detroit Pistons from Little Caesars Arena. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Rockets (26-16) have split their previous ten games and are locked in a four-way tie for fourth place in the Western Conference standings. Last night, Houston allowed host Philadelphia to shoot 55 percent from the field during a 128-122 overtime loss.

All-Star F Kevin Durant matched a game-high with 36 points on 13-for-21 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds. Houston F Amen Thompson scored 17 points to go along with nine assists and six boards. Reed Sheppard added 14 points off the bench for the Rockets, who missed half of their 24 free-throw attempts.

Pistons Preview

The Detroit Pistons are riding a four-game winning streak and own a 5.5 game cushion over Boston for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons (32-10) rank second in the league in defensive efficiency and are limiting opponents to 109.9 points per contest. On Wednesday, Detroit connected on 15-for-39 from long distance during a 112-104 road victory against New Orleans.

All five Detroit starters scored in double figures and were led by Jalen Duren with 20 points (7-11 FG). Daniss Jenkins started in place of All-Star G Cade Cunningham and scored 17 points. Ausar Thompson added 12 points and nine rebounds for the Pistons, who improved to 14-6 on the road.

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Rockets vs Pistons Pick

Detroit G Cade Cunningham (illness, hip) did not suit up on Wednesday and is listed as day-to-day. The Rockets are the better offensive team and have a slight edge on the glass. Take Houston to win on the road as a small underdog. Final Score Prediction, Houston Rockets win 112-106.

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