The Detroit Pistons have been able to stay afloat without star Cade Cunningham in the lineup the last two games.
Monday’s home matchup with the scalding-hot Los Angeles Lakers will be the toughest test for a shorthanded Detroit squad, which needs small forward Ausar Thompson to step up his scoring against this high-octane L.A. offense.
Thompson’s touches and field goal attempts spiked last time out, and our Lakers vs. Pistons predictions and NBA picks see him playing a bigger role tonight, which so happens to be “Ausar Thompson Bobblehead Night” at Little Caesars Arena.
Lakers vs Pistons prediction
Lakers vs Pistons best bet: Ausar Thompson Over 9.5 points (-120)
With Cade Cunningham sidelined, the Detroit Pistons need an all-hands effort to fill that hole on offense.
Ausar Thompson grabbed a shovel last time out, with his touches increasing alongside his shooting activity. He finished just 4-for-10 for eight points over 25 minutes in a one-sided win against Golden State.
Thompson has been on a minutes restriction since returning from a sprained ankle earlier this month, but with Cunningham out and the L.A. Lakers' high-octane offense on deck, Detroit needs his defensive and offensive output.
Player forecasts all sit north of 9.5 points from Thompson, with a ceiling of 13.3.
Lakers vs Pistons same-game parlay
The Pistons are outgunned against the Lakers without Cunningham. Game models call for a close L.A. victory, with the Purple and Gold extending their winning streak to 10 games.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic is making a late push for MVP, scoring 30+ in nine straight games. The Pistons will focus their energy on taking the ball away from Luka. His projections still call for 30 points — just not 33.
Lakers vs Pistons SGP
- Lakers moneyline
- Ausar Thompson Over 9.5 points
- Luka Doncic Under 32.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Get your motor running!
With Cunningham out, Detroit needs others to pick up the scoring slack. On top of Thompson’s added touches, Daniss Jenkins is getting more minutes and looks from long range. Game models have this non-conference clash tipping the total and going Over 226.5.
Lakers vs Pistons SGP
- Pistons +2
- Over 226.5
- Ausar Thompson Over 9.5 points
- Daniss Jenkins Over 1.5 threes
Lakers vs Pistons odds
- Spread: Lakers -2 | Pistons +2
- Moneyline: Lakers -130 | Pistons +110
- Over/Under: Over 226.5 | Under 226.5
Lakers vs Pistons betting trend to know
The Pistons are 10-2 SU and ATS as underdogs this season, including 3-1 SU and ATS as home pups. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Pistons.
How to watch Lakers vs Pistons
| Location | Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI |
| Date | Monday, March 23, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Spectrum SportsNet, FDSN-Detroit |
Lakers vs Pistons latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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