Cade Cunningham is the high-octane petrol fueling the Detroit Pistons offense.
The point guard is at his best creating for his teammates in the open floor and has dished out double-figure dimes in three of his last four outings. But there’s a speed bump in the way when Detroit visits the Phoenix Suns tonight.
My Pistons vs. Suns predictions are buying back Cunningham’s inflated assist total against one of the best defenses in the NBA.
Here are my NBA picks for Thursday, January 29.
Pistons vs Suns prediction
Pistons vs Suns best bet: Cade Cunningham Under 9.5 assists (-112)
Cade Cunningham has eclipsed his assist prop total in five of his last seven appearances, including 11 assists against this very same Phoenix Suns squad on January 15.
Cunningham was mired in a shooting funk in that matchup, including a 0-for-7 night from 3-point range, but found ways to spark the Detroit Pistons with his passing.
Player projections for tonight’s trip to the desert aren’t as advantageous when it comes to his assists. Models range from 7.7 to 9.5 dimes, with the majority of those forecasts falling short of the 9.5 O/U.
And for good reason. The Suns are a Top 10 defense and do an exceptional job putting the brakes on foes who want to push the ball.
They give up the fourth fewest fast-break buckets and limit those teams to the second-lowest transition points per play. Phoenix also holds opponents to the fourth fewest assists and, more importantly, the sixth lowest assist-to-FGM rate.
The Pistons record the eighth most points per play in transition and sit third in average fast-break points (18.0). Cunningham sets the tempo for that transition attack, but will be forced to play more half-court sets against the Suns.
My number for Cunningham comes out to 8.6 assists Thursday night.
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Pistons vs Suns same-game parlay
The Suns have some offensive weapons nursing ailments, but can put the brakes on the Pistons’ fastbreak attack.
Cunningham’s projections call for a downtick in dimes compared to his recent distribution.
Dillon Brooks battles on the boards with models calling for 4.7 rebounds tonight.
Pistons vs Suns SGP
- Under 214.5
- Cade Cunningham Under 9.5 assists
- Dillon Brooks Over 3.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Check engine light
Our game predictions forecast both teams staying short of 210 points.
Cunningham’s projections sit as low as 7.7 assists tonight.
Brooks is averaging more than four rebounds this month, with the Suns' backcourt running thin.
Royce O’Neale is forecasted for double figures with a busy night beyond the arc.
Pistons vs Suns SGP
- Under 214.5
- Cade Cunningham Under 9.5 assists
- Dillon Brooks Over 3.5 rebounds
- Royce O’Neale Over 9.5 points
Pistons vs Suns odds
- Spread: Pistons -4.5 | Suns +4.5
- Moneyline: Pistons -185 | Suns +155
- Over/Under: Over 214.5 | Under 214.5
Pistons vs Suns betting trend to know
Detroit has produced a 5-9 Over/Under count in non-conference games this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Suns.
How to watch Pistons vs Suns
| Location | PHX Arena, Phoenix, AZ |
| Date | Thursday, January 29, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN Detroit, Suns+ |
Pistons vs Suns latest injuries
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