The Pelicans have yet to win in three games since acquiring DeMarcus Cousins, who is suspended for this game. I see the Pelicans stepping up without Cousins to post this home victory behind Anthony Davis and point guard Jrue Holiday, who was playing much better before Cousins came on board.

Not only do I see the Pelicans stepping up at home while finding a better offensive rhythm, but also factoring that the Pistons are caught in a flat spot. Detroit is 2-7 in its last nine road games and has covered only once in its last five visits to New Orleans.

The Pistons also are 0-5 ATS the past five times when playing without rest. Detroit is off a home overtime victory against Portland last night. The Pistons had lost eight in a row to New Orleans before beating the Pelicans,118-98, at the start of February. That gives the Pelicans revenge motivation, too, along with trying to earn a playoff spot.