The Houston Rockets will look to follow up a memorable opening night performance by getting their first win of the year as they host the Detroit Pistons on Friday night.
Both teams play excellent defense and are missing some important offensive weapons, which has me backing the Under in my Pistons vs. Rockets predictions.
Keep reading to take a closer look at one of tonight’s best matchups in my NBA picks for Friday, October 24.
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Pistons vs Rockets prediction
Pistons vs Rockets best bet: Under 227.5 (-110)
The Houston Rockets played in an early contender for game of the year on Tuesday, losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder 125-124. While that final score might look like the Rockets are playing offensive-minded basketball, remember that this was a double-overtime game with only 208 points scored at the end of regulation.
Looking back at last year, both Houston and the Detroit Pistons were solid defensive teams, ranking among the top 10 in defensive efficiency at season's end. In particular, the Rockets trended towards lower-scoring basketball, finishing the 2024-25 campaign with an average total of 224.1 and allowing just 109.8 ppg.
Detroit posted a slightly higher average total (229.1), but when these teams met last season, they went well below those typical numbers. The first meeting ended with 200 total points scored, while a second game in Houston went only to a total of 203.
I see no reason not to expect more of the same this season, especially with both teams missing key offensive parts right now. The Rockets are learning to run the offense without point guard Fred VanVleet, while the Pistons are missing Jaden Ivey. I’m backing the Under tonight.
Pistons vs Rockets same-game parlay
The Rockets nearly beat the defending champion Thunder in their season opener, and I like their big lineup in this matchup with the Pistons. Alperen Sengun had a monster night against Oklahoma City, and can hit his PRA total without coming close to that level of production.
Pistons vs Rockets SGP
- Under 227.5
- Houston Rockets -6.5
- Alperen Sengun Over 36.5 PRA
Our "from downtown” SGP: Double Trouble!
I’ll back Cade Cunningham to get a second double-double to start the season – even in a losing effort – as he is taking complete control of the Detroit offense for the time being.
Pistons vs Rockets SGP
- Under 227.5
- Houston Rockets -6.5
- Alperen Sengun Over 36.5 PRA
- Cade Cunningham to record a double-double
Pistons vs Rockets odds
- Spread: Detroit +5.5 (-102) | Houston -5.5 (-118)
- Moneyline: Detroit +200 | Houston -250
- Over/Under: Over 226.5 (-110) | Under 226.5 (-110)
Pistons vs Rockets betting trend to know
The Under is 3-0 in the last three matchups between the Pistons and Rockets. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Rockets.
How to watch Pistons vs Rockets
| Location | Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
| Date | Friday, October 24, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN Detroit, Space City HN |
Pistons vs Rockets latest injuries
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