Pistons Return Home to Face Inexperienced Nets

Detroit looks to bounce back from ugly loss as Brooklyn tries to end skid without top scorer

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:47pm

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The Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons return home from a West Coast trip to host the rookie-laden Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. The Pistons are coming off an impressive win over the Warriors after a disappointing loss to the Suns, while the Nets are searching for a star to emerge from their young roster as they try to snap a seven-game losing streak without their leading scorer Michael Porter Jr.

Why it matters

This matchup pits the top team in the East against a struggling Nets squad trying to find its footing. The Pistons will look to take advantage of Brooklyn's inexperience, while the Nets hope a breakout performance from a young player like Egor Demin can help them pull off the upset on the road.

The details

The Pistons responded from an ugly loss to the Suns on Thursday with a 131-124 victory over the Warriors on Friday, boosting their record to 35-12. Cade Cunningham had 29 points and 11 assists, while Jalen Duren powered for 21 points and 13 rebounds. The Nets are looking for a star to emerge from their handful of first-round picks last June, with Demin showing flashes by recording his first career double-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists in a win over the Jazz on Friday.

  • The Pistons returned home from a West Coast trip to host the Nets on Sunday, January 31, 2026.
  • On November 7, the Pistons defeated the Nets 125-107, with Cunningham scoring 34 points and Duren adding 30.

The players

Cade Cunningham

An All-Star starter for the Pistons, Cunningham is a dominant one-man offense who is compared to Luka Doncic and James Harden.

Jalen Duren

The powerful center for the Pistons, Duren had a strong performance with 21 points and 13 rebounds in the win over the Warriors.

Egor Demin

A lottery pick for the Nets, Demin recorded his first career double-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists in a win over the Jazz.

Michael Porter Jr.

The Nets' leading scorer, Porter missed the game against the Jazz due to personal reasons.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Pistons, Bickerstaff praised his team's execution and tempo in the win over the Warriors.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.