Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons Picks and Predictions October 22nd 2025

Detroit Pistons vs Chicago Bulls Betting Preview

The Detroit Pistons visit the Chicago Bulls at the United Center to open the 2025-26 NBA season on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET, airing on CHSN, with live odds and analysis available on ScoresAndStats.com.

Detroit looks to build on last season’s remarkable turnaround, while Chicago begins another campaign searching for consistency amid early injuries. Both teams aim to establish tone and chemistry in this Central Division matchup.

Detroit Pistons Outlook

The Pistons tripled their win total last season, jumping from 14 to 44 victories — one of the most dramatic single-season improvements in league history. With Cade Cunningham leading the charge and J.B. Bickerstaff returning at the helm, Detroit enters 2025-26 as one of the NBA’s most promising young teams.

However, Detroit will open without Jaden Ivey, sidelined following knee surgery. That absence provides opportunities for Ausar Thompson and Caris LeVert to assume more playmaking duties. Cunningham remains the focal point after a breakout campaign that earned him All-NBA Third Team honors.

Detroit’s preseason (2-2) offered a glimpse of their offensive potential. In their 119-98 win over Washington, Cunningham tallied 16 points and 12 assists, while Jalen Duren added 20 points and six rebounds. Their chemistry, along with Tobias Harris’s veteran leadership, has positioned the Pistons as an emerging threat in the NBA Eastern Conference Odds & Predictions.

Chicago Bulls Outlook

The Bulls enter the season shorthanded, with Coby White (calf) and backup center Zach Collins (wrist) unavailable. Still, coach Billy Donovan has emphasized flexibility and depth, giving extended minutes to guards Josh Giddey and Ayo Dosunmu.

Chicago’s preseason (3-2) demonstrated offensive fluidity despite injuries. Giddey, who signed a four-year, $100 million extension, contributed across the board with 14 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists in their 126-112 win over Minnesota. His ability to orchestrate the offense is crucial in White’s absence.

The Bulls will look to leverage experience and home-court energy, with DeMar DeRozan anchoring the attack and rookie forward Isaac Okoro expected to provide defensive spark. However, their depth will be tested early as the season begins against one of the East’s rising teams.

Line Movement and Odds

Current odds from ScoresAndStats NBA Picks:

• Pistons Spread: -4.0 (-112)
• Bulls Spread: +4.0 (-108)
• Moneyline: Pistons -175 / Bulls +148
• Total: 233.0 (Over/Under)

The line suggests confidence in Detroit’s upward trajectory and the absence of key Bulls starters influencing the early edge toward the visiting team.

Matchup Breakdown

Detroit’s offense flows through Cade Cunningham’s precision and tempo control. Expect the Pistons to attack inside through Duren while spacing the floor with LeVert and Harris. Their improved ball movement should test Chicago’s weakened perimeter defense.

The Bulls must counter through Giddey’s playmaking and DeRozan’s midrange dominance. Chicago’s ability to slow the game down and generate second-chance points without Collins will determine how long they can stay in contention. If their shooting efficiency dips, Detroit’s transition attack could quickly swing momentum.

Key Edge

The Pistons’ continuity, rebounding strength, and rising confidence outweigh Chicago’s injury-driven limitations. Detroit’s balance across the roster and improved depth make them the more complete team entering this matchup.

Betting Trends

• Detroit is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games versus Chicago.
• The Pistons are 8-2 straight-up in their last 10 season openers.
• Chicago is 2-6 ATS in its last eight home games.
• The total has gone under in four of the last five Bulls-Pistons meetings.

For broader Eastern Conference context, explore NBA Central Division Odds & Predictions and how both teams stack up early in the 2025-26 campaign.

Prediction and Best Bets

Detroit enters this season with momentum, talent, and structure. Chicago’s depth issues and defensive uncertainty make them vulnerable against a confident, youthful Pistons squad. Expect Detroit’s half-court execution and rebounding to secure a road victory.

Projected Score: Pistons 115, Bulls 107
Best Bet: Pistons -4.0
Secondary Lean: Under 233.0

Stay tuned for more NBA expert betting analysis and team coverage for the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls throughout the season.