Game: Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons
Date: Sunday, November 12
Time: 7:10 PM EST
Spread: Pistons -2.5
Total: 233.5
Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons Preview
Two Central Division rivals looking to get their seasons on track will face off Sunday night as the Chicago Bulls visit the Detroit Pistons. Both teams have stumbled out of the gate, with a Facebook standings update from late November 2024 showing both teams with identical 4-7 records, highlighting their parallel struggles to climb the Eastern Conference ladder. With the Pistons favored by a slim 2.5-point margin at home, this matchup projects to be a hard-fought battle between two teams desperate for a victory.
The Chicago Bulls enter this contest as the seemingly healthier team. While recent injury reports for the Bulls have been sparse on details, they are not facing the significant injury questions that plague their opponent. To exploit Detroit’s potential vulnerabilities, Chicago will need its primary offensive weapons to be efficient and aggressive against a Pistons team that could be shorthanded in the frontcourt.
The Detroit Pistons, despite being the home favorites, are dealing with a concerning injury report. The most critical piece of news is for center Jalen Duren, who was recently listed as probable for the game against the Bulls with a right ankle sprain. His presence is vital for Detroit’s interior defense and rebounding. However, other key players have been on the shelf. Recent reports from early November listed forward Isaiah Stewart (ankle) and guard Marcus Sasser (hip) as “Out” for previous games. If they remain sidelined, the Pistons’ depth will be severely tested, placing an even larger offensive burden on их star guard Cade Cunningham.
Key Matchup
The battle in the paint between Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic and Detroit’s Jalen Duren will be the matchup to watch. Duren, even if hampered by his ankle, is a formidable physical force. If he is limited or if Isaiah Stewart is out, Vucevic could have a significant advantage, giving the Bulls a crucial edge on the boards and in second-chance points.
Prediction
The betting line indicates a toss-up, giving a slight edge to the Pistons for their home-court advantage. However, Detroit’s injury situation is too significant to ignore. The potential absence of a key defender and rotation player in Isaiah Stewart, combined with a less-than-100% Jalen Duren, is a major concern. The Bulls are the healthier squad and should be able to take advantage of Detroit’s depleted frontcourt. While the Pistons will fight hard at home, the Bulls have the personnel to pull out a close win.
The point total of 233.5 is high for two teams who have struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm. Expect a competitive but potentially sloppy divisional game that stays just under the number.
The Pick: Chicago Bulls +2.5
Total: Under 233.5
Sources:
Chicago Bulls Injury Status – ESPN
Chicago Bulls Injury Status – ESPN (PH)
Chicago Bulls Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBS Sports
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