The Detroit Pistons enter as solid favorites against the Brooklyn Nets in Friday night’s NBA Cup group stage game at Barclays Center, tipped to start at 7:30 p.m.
Detroit is remembered for challenging the New York Knicks in a key playoff series last year, facing a Brooklyn team that had yet to win a regular-season game as of Tuesday.
The Pistons are on a four-game winning streak, including a tough victory on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. However, the unpredictability of the NBA Cup's first round remains a challenge, as seen with Cleveland and Indiana both starting East Group A with 0-1 records.
Brooklyn recently secured their first win of the 2025–26 season by defeating the Indiana Pacers 112-103 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday. Despite the Pacers' disappointing 1-7 record matching Brooklyn's, the Nets showed improvement defensively in that game.
The Nets' breakthrough win and the unusual nature of tournament play might make them a contender in this matchup.
Note: The above data was collected on Nov. 7, 2025, and may have changed since writing.
Summary: Detroit is favored thanks to recent form, but Brooklyn’s first win and tournament unpredictability keep the matchup open and worth watching.