Preview: Rockets at Pistons, Friday, January 23, 2026 DETROIT (Interstat) — The surging Detroit Pistons, owners of the NBA’s second-best record, will host a Houston Rockets team looking to rebound from a tough loss when the teams meet Friday night at Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons (32-10) enter on a four-game winning streak, including a 112-104 road victory over New Orleans on Wednesday. Center Jalen Duren has been a force, averaging 17.7 points and 13.0 rebounds over his last three games. His matchup inside will be pivotal against a Houston frontcourt coming off a game where it allowed 128 points in Philadelphia. The Rockets (26-16) fell 128-122 to the 76ers on Thursday despite 36 points from Kevin Durant. The veteran forward has been on a scoring tear, averaging 28.1 points over his last 10 contests. Houston will need his efficiency on the second night of a back-to-back set as they try to snap a two-game skid. Detroit won the season’s first meeting, 115-111, in Houston on Oct. 24. The Pistons have been dominant at home with a 17-3 record, while the Rockets are 11-10 on the road. According to National Statistical’s ELO system, Detroit is projected with a 68.6% probability to win. The Pistons have been installed as a 3-point favorite, with an over/under of 217.5. For Houston, Amen Thompson is coming off a 17-point, 9-assist performance in Philadelphia. Detroit’s Ausar Thompson, his twin brother, is averaging 12.0 points and 9.0 rebounds in his last two games, setting up a sibling rivalry on the wing. The game kicks off a challenging stretch for Detroit, which will host Sacramento on Sunday before a four-game Western Conference road trip. Houston returns home to face Memphis on Monday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.