Mavericks vs Pistons Prediction, Odds & Game Preview 3/21/2025

The Dallas Mavericks find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they welcome the Detroit Pistons to American Airlines Center, with the once-mighty Mavs now fighting for their playoff lives after losing superstar Luka Doncic at the trade deadline and suffering season-ending injuries to both Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.

While Dallas has dropped nine of their last ten games and sits precariously in the final play-in spot, the resurgent Pistons have been one of this season's surprise stories under JB Bickerstaff, riding Cade Cunningham's stellar play (including his recent 25-point triple-double against Miami) to what looks like their first playoff berth since last year's 14-win disaster.

The contrast couldn't be starker as the 39-31 Pistons, winners of six of their last ten and boasting the NBA's ninth-ranked defense, face off against the depleted 33-37 Mavericks who've struggled mightily to find their identity since their midseason roster overhaul.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons preview

What a difference a year makes - the Pistons and Mavericks have completely flipped their fortunes heading into Friday's clash at American Airlines Center.

Detroit's resurgence under JB Bickerstaff has been nothing short of remarkable, with Cade Cunningham leading the charge fresh off a spectacular triple-double against Miami that included a game-winning bank shot three.

The Mavs, meanwhile, are barely recognizable from their Finals appearance last season - the departures of Luka Doncic and injuries to both Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis have left them scrambling just to stay in the play-in conversation.

P.J. Washington Jr. has stepped up admirably for Dallas, dropping 26 in their recent loss to Indiana, but the team's defensive woes continue to be their Achilles' heel.

The Pistons' road warrior mentality (21-15 away from home) could spell trouble for a depleted Mavs squad that's dropped nine of their last ten games.

Detroit's ninth-ranked defense should have a field day against a Dallas team that's struggling to find offensive rhythm without their stars.

Keep an eye on Cunningham, who's been on an absolute tear with his ninth triple-double of the season, as he looks to exploit the Mavs' vulnerable interior defense.

With Dallas giving up 45 points in the fourth quarter to Indiana last game, this matchup feels like it could get away from them quickly if they can't patch up their defensive holes.