If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Eastern Conference standings lately, you know the vibe in Detroit has completely shifted. It's not about the lottery anymore; it's about the top seed. So, for everyone asking do the Detroit Pistons play today, the answer is a resounding yes. Tonight, Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Pistons are back at Little Caesars Arena to tip off against the Phoenix Suns.
Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET. Honestly, if you haven't been following this specific stretch of the season, you’ve missed a bit of a rollercoaster. The Pistons are sitting at 28-10, which—believe it or not—has them firmly in first place in the East. But they are coming off a weird four-day break after a frustrating 98-92 loss to the Clippers.
Tonight isn't just another mid-January game. It's the start of a massive test.
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The Matchup: Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns
The Suns come into Detroit with a 24-16 record, hovering around that 7th spot in the West. They’re a dangerous team, mostly because they lead the league in forcing turnovers. For a Detroit team that can sometimes get a little loose with the rock, that’s a scary matchup.
You've gotta look at the injury report, though, because that’s where the real story is for tonight. The Pistons have been banged up. Seriously. Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Tobias Harris have all missed time recently.
Who is actually on the floor?
The good news is the "Big Three" are trending toward playing. Cade Cunningham is off the injury report after dealing with a nagging wrist issue. Jalen Duren is listed as probable after missing four games, and word is Tobias Harris is finally back after sitting out five straight. Having that veteran presence from Harris back in the lineup basically changes the entire geometry of their offense.
- Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
- TV/Streaming: FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports)
- The Vibe: First game back after a 4-day rest period.
Why this game matters for the standings
It feels weird saying the Pistons are the hunted, but that’s the reality in 2026. They have a 4.0 game lead over the New York Knicks right now. A win tonight keeps that cushion comfortable. A loss? Well, then people start talking about whether that early-season magic is starting to fade.
The Suns are coming off a tough loss to Miami where Grayson Allen was basically their only consistent spark. If Detroit can shut him down and keep Devin Booker from going nuclear, they should be in good shape. But the Suns play a physical brand of basketball that usually gives younger teams fits.
Keep an eye on the Cade vs. Book showdown
Cade Cunningham has been playing at an MVP-caliber level this year. He's averaging about 26.7 points and nearly 10 assists. That’s elite. Tonight, he’s likely going head-to-head with the Suns' backcourt in a game that will probably be decided in the final four minutes.
The Pistons' defense has been the real surprise this season. They’re currently ranked 2nd in the NBA in Defensive Rating. Watching how J.B. Bickerstaff uses Ausar Thompson to shadow the Suns' perimeter scorers is going to be a chess match.
Tickets and how to watch
If you’re trying to head down to Woodward Avenue, tickets are actually still available but they aren't $10 anymore. Prices are starting around $26 for the nosebleeds and climbing fast because of the Suns' star power.
If you're watching from the couch, it’s the usual local broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network. No national TV tonight, which is honestly a bit of a snub considering Detroit is literally the best team in the conference right now.
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Key storylines to watch tonight
- Duren’s Minutes: If Jalen Duren plays, does he have a minutes restriction? Paul Reed has been a solid backup, but Duren’s rim protection is what makes this defense elite.
- Tobias Harris’ Rust: Five games off is a long time for a vet. Will his shot be falling early?
- The Bench Mob: Marcus Sasser and Ron Holland II have been huge during this injury stretch. Does their playing time disappear now that the starters are healthy?
The Pistons have a tough schedule coming up—Indiana on Saturday and a massive MLK Day matchup against the Celtics on Monday. They really need to bank this win against Phoenix to keep the momentum rolling.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the final active roster roughly 30 minutes before tip-off (6:30 PM ET) to confirm Duren and Harris are officially "Active."
- If you're betting the over/under, keep in mind Detroit's defense has been keeping games lower-scoring than the league average lately.
- Tune in to the pre-game show on FanDuel Sports Network to see if any late-breaking trade rumors (Trajan Langdon has been active!) pop up before the deadline.