The top-seeded Detroit Pistons head west to face the banged-up Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on Tuesday night.
The Nuggets’ injury report is lengthy, but Denver has stayed competitive, and my Pistons vs. Nuggets predictions call for the home team to cover the spread as the underdog.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference tilt on Tuesday, January 27.
Pistons vs Nuggets prediction
Pistons vs Nuggets best bet: Nuggets +6.5 (-110)
The Denver Nuggets are 27-19 ATS this season, and they have covered in six of their last 10 games. Despite numerous injuries, Denver has found ways to stay competitive, and the team is 9-5 ATS across the last 14 games with Nikola Jokic on the sideline.
The Detroit Pistons are one of the best teams in the Association, and they are 24-19-1 ATS. Over the last 10 games, the Pistons are 6-4 ATS.
The Nuggets last played on Friday before Sunday’s matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies was postponed due to weather. Peyton Watson, Jamal Murray and Jonas Valanciunas are all probable tonight, and the trio should be closer to 100% after getting some extra time to rest.
For as good as the Pistons are, Denver has played too well recently to be spotted 6.5 points at Ball Arena. I'll take the home team and the points as the Nuggets continue to get the most from their deep group of role players.
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Pistons vs Nuggets same-game parlay
The Nuggets are 27-19 to the Over this season, but they've hit the Under in nine of 14 without Nikola Jokic, including seven of the last 10 games.
The Pistons are 18-26 to the Under overall and 1-9 to the Under across their last 10 outings. Both teams rank in the top-10 in fewest points allowed, so I expect a low-scoring matchup at Ball Arena.
Peyton Watson's strong play is a big reason why the Nuggets have been competitive without Nikola Jokic. Over his last 13 appearances, Watson has averaged 32.2 PRA and gone for at least 27 in 10 of them.
He's expected to return following a one-game absence and should be well-rested after not playing since Thursday.
Pistons vs Nuggets SGP
- Nuggets +6.5
- Under 217
- Peyton Watson Over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Robinson on a heater
Duncan Robinson is averaging 2.9 triples per game this season, and he's hit 3+ treys in 28 of 42 contests.
He's been on a heater over his last eight games, knocking down 3.9 three-pointers per tilt at a 50.8% clip and hitting the Over on this line seven times.
Pistons vs Nuggets SGP
- Nuggets +6.5
- Under 217
- Peyton Watson Over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists
- Duncan Robinson Over 2.5 made three-pointers
Pistons vs Nuggets odds
- Spread: Detroit -6.5 (-110) | Denver +6.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Detroit -260 | Denver +210
- Over/Under: Over 217 (-110) | Under 217 (-110)
Pistons vs Nuggets betting trend to know
The Denver Nuggets have hit the Moneyline in 16 of their last 25 games (+14.70 Units / 30% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Nuggets.
How to watch Pistons vs Nuggets
| Location | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date | Tuesday, January 27, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN-DT, ALT |
Pistons vs Nuggets latest injuries
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