Portland Trail Blazers vs Detroit Pistons Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 5 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Portland Trail Blazers and Detroit Pistons will square off at Little Caesars Arena in Michigan on Friday, meeting for the first time this season. Both teams come in with very different momentum from their previous outings.

The Pistons are coming off a surprising 113–109 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, a result that trimmed their cushion atop the East as they now lead the Knicks by 2.5 games. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers (9–13) picked up a strong 122–110 win over the Cavaliers, a boost that moved them up to 10th in the standings.

Although Portland boasts the better momentum, they’ll need to step up from their 6–7 road record as they face one of the league’s toughest home teams, Detroit, who sit at 8–2 on its own floor.

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Detroit Pistons Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Trailblazers +245, Pistons -305

Spread: Trailblazers +7.5 (-108), Pistons -7.5 (-112)

Total over/under (o/u): Trailblazers o234.5 (-115), Pistons u234.5 (-105)

*Editor's Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off*

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Detroit Pistons preview

The Trail Blazers opened the season on a strong note, winning four of their first six games. But their momentum faded in November, when they went just 4–10. Still, they’ve shown some optimism to start this month, splitting their first two games for a 1–1 start.

Their below-par performances have been reflected in their performances on both ends. Offensively, the Trail Blazers sit in an average 13th place, putting up 118.4 points per game. Defensively, however, they’ve had major issues, giving up 120.6 points per game, the 25th-worst mark in the league.

Deni Avdija has been their most consistent performer, starting all 22 games and averaging 25.8 points and 6.2 assists per night. Meanwhile, Shaedon Sharpe has been a strong secondary option, adding 20.8 points per game.

On the other hand, the Detroit Pistons have established themselves as one of this season’s dark-horse title contenders. They put together one of the longest win streaks of the year, going 13 straight without a loss, but that momentum has slowed over their last few outings.

The Pistons have dropped three of their last five games, with their recent struggles tied mostly to inconsistent offense. They currently rank 14th in scoring, recording 118.3 points per game, but their defense has been elite, fifth in the league at 113.2 points allowed.

Cade Cunningham continues to lead the way, delivering an All-Star–level campaign with 27.6 points and 9.2 assists per game. Jalen Duren has been a major force as well, averaging 19.0 points and 11.5 rebounds to anchor the frontcourt.

In terms of injuries, both teams will be missing a few key players, however, the Trail Blazers carry the heavier burden. Portland could be missing Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III, and Kris Murray, while Jrue Holiday, Matisse Thybulle, Scoot Henderson, Blake Wesley, and Damian Lillard have all been ruled out.

Meanwhile, the Pistons will be without Duncan Robinson, Marcus Sassser and Bobi Klintman.

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Detroit Pistons predicted starting fives

Portland Trail Blazers predicted starting five

PG- Deni Avdija, SG- Toumani Camara, SF- Sidy Cissoko, PF- Jerami Grant, C- Duop Reath

Detroit Pistons predicted starting five

PG- Cade Cunningham, SG- Jaden Ivey, SF- Ausar Thompson, PF- Tobias Harris, C- Jalen Duren

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Detroit Pistons betting tips

Deni Avdija is projected to record over 24.5 points per game. He is averaging 25.8 points per game.

Cade Cunningham is expected to score over 27.5 points per game. He is averaging 27.6 points per game.

Jalen Duren is projected to collect over 11.5 rebounds per game. He is averaging 11.5 rebounds per game.

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Detroit Pistons prediction

The Pistons are -7.5 favorites on the spread. Although the Trail Blazers come in with slightly better momentum, their long injury list, combined with Detroit’s strong home form, should make the home team clear favorites.

Prediction: Pistons to win by 5 points or more.