The Detroit Pistons enter Friday night’s NBA Cup group stage game as strong favorites against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Detroit remains recognized for challenging the New York Knicks in last year’s critical playoff matchup, while Brooklyn had yet to secure a regular-season victory as of Tuesday.
The Pistons are on a four-game winning streak, including a hard-fought road win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. Their main challenge lies in the unpredictable nature of the NBA Cup’s first round, where teams like Cleveland and Indiana already hold 0-1 records in East Group A.
Brooklyn, however, recently earned its first victory of the 2025-26 season by defeating the Indiana Pacers 112-103 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Pacers, struggling with a 1-7 record, were better defended by the Nets than most NBA teams have managed this season, which may signal potential for Brooklyn despite their overall underperformance.
Could Brooklyn's maiden win plus the unusual circumstances of the tournament make the Nets a viable pick?
Note: Data was current as of November 7, 2025, and may have changed since.
Detroit leads as a strong favorite in an unpredictable NBA Cup matchup, while Brooklyn's first win this season adds intrigue to their chances in this tournament setting.