LeBron James celebrates his 41st birthday playing against the Detroit Pistons, and he surely wants to cap the day with victory. But will Cade Cunningham spoil “The King’s” party?

Catch this game live on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 11:30 AM, Manila time

Away: Detroit Pistons (24-8, 11-6 Away)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Cade Cunningham
  • Duncan Robinson
  • Ausar Thompson
  • Tobias Harris
  • Jalen Duren

For just the second time this season, the Pistons are on a losing skid, as they lost to the Utah Jazz and (131-129) and to the Los Angeles Clippers (112-99) – both on the road – in their last couple of outings. Kawhi Leonard gave Detroit’s defense a reality check, as he dropped 55 points on Detroit, while shooting 17/26 from the floor. 

Despite their recent drop in form, the Pistons and their defense remain formidable. Detroit is second in the league with a 110.9 defensive rating and they complement it with a 116.9 offensive rating, which is also top 10 in the league, so far this season. The Pistons have not lost three in a row yet in the current campaign, and they will look to keep it that way when they face Los Angeles in Tinseltown. 

Speaking of which, Detroit is 4-2 against the spread in its last six visits to the Lakers’ home.

Home: Los Angeles Lakers (20-10, 8-5 Home)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Luka Doncic
  • Marcus Smart
  • Jake LaRavia
  • LeBron James
  • Deandre Ayton

After an “uncomfortable practice,” the Lakers got it right on Monday, as they snapped a two-game losing skid with a 125-101 win over the Sacramento Kings at home. It is also possible that the Kings were simply not the kind of team that exposes the flaws of a good club like Los Angeles. Either way, the Lakers are back on track after Luka Doncic and LeBron James took turns in pummeling Sacramento.

Doncic had 34 points in that game, while the ageless wonder James produced 24 points. They may have to be as prolific on offense to keep it going for the Lakers, as two other LA reliables are sidelined with injuries. Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura are ruled out for the Pistons game, as both are dealing with calf issues. Meanwhile, LA’s frontcourt is getting a boost with the Jaxson Hayes expected to see action after missing two games due to an ankle problem.

The Lakers have covered the spread in four of their last six outings against Detroit.

Picks

Spread: Los Angeles Lakers (+2.5)
Over/Under: Under (231.0)