The upcoming NBA game features the Detroit Pistons visiting the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on January 27, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. ET. This matchup is viewed as a potential NBA Finals preview, showcasing two of the league's strongest rosters with deep talent pools, despite key MVP candidates being sidelined. Denver boasts a 9-5 record without Nikola Jokić, and Detroit is 5-1 without Cade Cunningham, exemplifying their next-man-up mentality. The game pits the No. 1 defense (Pistons with a 102.4 defensive rating) against the No. 1 offense (Nuggets), highlighting a clash of elite units. The Pistons have been resilient with Cunningham out, especially with his recent strong performance against the Kings. Detroit's roster includes versatile defenders like Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren, while Denver relies heavily on Jamal Murray and the role players stepping up in Jokić's absence. Injury reports show multiple players out or probable for both teams, including Cam Johnson, Tamar Bates, Aaron Gordon, Jonas Valančiūnas, and others. The betting odds favor the Nuggets as a +6 underdog, with the home team expected to cover the spread. The game will be broadcast on FDSN-DT and ALT. Analysts predict a competitive game with Denver, despite their injuries, being capable of covering the spread due to their recent strong performance and role players like Peyton Watson, who has been impactful lately. The game is also expected to be low-scoring, with both teams ranking in the top-10 for fewest points allowed. Additionally, betting trends indicate the Nuggets have been successful on the moneyline in recent games, and the game features several betting options, including spread, over/under, and player props. The game preview emphasizes the strategic matchup between top defenses and offenses, with key players returning from injury and both teams aiming for a significant win in the regular season.