Detroit Pistons vs Chicago Bulls Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.21.26
Detroit Pistons
Chicago Bulls
Game Spread
Total Points
Tale of the Tape
Key Matchup: Top Scorers
C. Cunningham
J. Giddey
Detailed Analysis
Detroit Pistons vs Chicago Bulls Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.21.26
As the NBA season enters its critical final stretch, a high-stakes Eastern Conference showdown takes place at the United Center. The powerhouse Detroit Pistons (41-13), currently sitting near the top of the standings, visit a Chicago Bulls (24-32) squad desperate to stabilize their season. While Detroit looks like a legitimate title contender, Chicago is searching for consistency amidst a flurry of roster rotations.
Detroit Pistons vs Chicago Bulls Matchup Preview
Detroit Pistons Key Stats & Trends
The Pistons have transformed into an offensive juggernaut led by Cade Cunningham. Cunningham is playing at an All-NBA level, averaging 25.7 PPG and 9.7 APG, showcasing elite decision-making and clutch scoring. Complementing his perimeter play is Jalen Duren, who anchors the paint with 10.4 rebounds per game. Detroit’s ability to move the ball and exploit mismatches makes them a nightmare for league-average defenses.
- Points: Cade Cunningham (25.7)
- Rebounds: Jalen Duren (10.4)
- Assists: Cade Cunningham (9.7)
- Rating: Cade Cunningham (25.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 9.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.9 BPG)
Injury Report Detroit Pistons
- Tolu Smith (Day-to-day): Smith is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game against the Bulls due to a right knee contusion.
Chicago Bulls Key Stats & Trends
The Bulls remain competitive largely due to the versatile play of Josh Giddey. Giddey leads the team in all major statistical categories, including 18.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and 8.7 APG. However, Chicago’s defense has struggled to contain elite guards, and their frontcourt depth is currently decimated by injuries, leaving them vulnerable to Detroit’s interior scoring.
- Points: Josh Giddey (18.2)
- Rebounds: Josh Giddey (8.5)
- Assists: Josh Giddey (8.7)
- Rating: Josh Giddey (18.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 8.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG)
Injury Report Chicago Bulls
- Guerschon Yabusele (Day-to-day): Yabusele is listed as probable for Saturday’s game against the Pistons due to a left calf contusion.
- Jaden Ivey (Day-to-day): Ivey (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game against the Pistons.
- Zach Collins (Out): Collins (toe) is out for Thursday’s game against the Raptors.
- Noa Essengue (Out): Essengue will undergo left shoulder surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
Detroit Pistons vs Chicago Bulls Prediction & Best Bet
The talent gap in this matchup is significant. Detroit’s 41-13 record reflects their dominance, while Chicago’s injury-riddled roster will struggle to contain Cunningham’s playmaking. With Essengue out and Collins sidelined, the Bulls lack the rim protection to stop Duren and Stewart. Expect Detroit to control the tempo from the opening tip.
Our definitive pick is the Detroit Pistons -10.5 (Spread). Additionally, given Detroit’s elite offensive rating and Chicago’s tendency to play high-possession games under Giddey’s direction, we are taking the over on the 229.5 total points line.
Last 5 Games: DET
| Opponent | Result | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| @ New York | W 126-111 | Cunningham 42 | Harris 10 | Cunningham 13 |
| @ Toronto | W 113-95 | Cunningham 28 | Harris 12 | Cunningham 9 |
| @ Charlotte | W 110-104 | Cunningham 33 | Cunningham 9 | Cunningham 7 |
| vs New York | W 118-80 | Jenkins 18 | Harris 6 | Cunningham 7 |
| vs Washington | L 126-117 | Cunningham 30 | Holland II 10 | Cunningham 8 |
Last 5 Games: CHI
| Opponent | Result | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs Toronto | L 110-101 | Simons 20 | Smith 10 | Jones 6 |
| @ Boston | L 124-105 | Dillingham 16 | Buzelis 8 | Dillingham 7 |
| @ Brooklyn | L 123-115 | Simons 23 | Dillingham 7 | Simons 7 |
| vs Denver | L 136-120 | Buzelis 21 | Buzelis 8 | Simons 6 |
| @ Toronto | L 123-107 | Simons 22 | Yabusele 11 | Kawamura 7 |
Written by Matt Dorsey
Matt Dorsey turned his obsession with sports into a career five years ago, and he hasn't looked back. By combining a fan's passion with a veteran’s analytical eye, Matt provides reliable insights for the NBA, NHL, and NFL. He knows you’re looking for more than just a pick; you’re looking for a reason to trust the play. That’s why his work is always transparent, researched, and rooted in five years of proven results.