The Detroit Pistons are rolling-and now they're looking to make it five straight wins. But if you're planning to catch Friday night’s matchup against the Houston Rockets the usual way, you might want to double-check your setup. This one’s going to be a little different.
No Cable? No Problem-If You Have Prime
The Pistons (32-10), sitting comfortably atop the Eastern Conference, will host the Rockets (26-15), currently fourth in the West, on Friday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. ET.
But instead of airing on a traditional TV network, the game will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. That means no ESPN, no Bally Sports-just Prime.
To tune in, you’ll need a Prime membership and a connected device.
It’s a big-time matchup, and not just because of the streaming wrinkle.
Pistons Staying Hot
Detroit is coming off a 112-104 road win over the Pelicans, their fourth straight victory. This team isn't just winning-they're doing it with poise and consistency. They now hold a 5.5-game lead over the second-place Celtics in the East, and with the way they're playing, it’s easy to see why.
Cade Cunningham has been the engine, but he’s getting plenty of help. The Pistons are moving the ball well, defending with purpose, and showing the kind of balance that championship teams are built on. The chemistry is clicking, and the results are speaking for themselves.
Rockets Bring Firepower-and Familiar Faces
Houston isn’t coming in quietly. Winners of four of their last five, the Rockets are fresh off a 111-106 win over the Spurs.
What’s more impressive? Five different players scored at least 16 points in that game.
That’s depth, that’s unselfishness, and that’s a team that can hurt you in a lot of ways.
Leading the charge is future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, who continues to defy Father Time with his scoring touch and leadership. He’s joined by rising star Amen Thompson-twin brother of Pistons forward Ausar Thompson-adding a fun family subplot to an already intriguing matchup.
A Familiar Foe
These two teams already met once this season, back on Oct. 24.
That one went to the Pistons, 115-111, and marked Detroit’s first win of the 2025-26 campaign. It was a tight contest, and there’s every reason to expect another battle on Friday night.
Game Details
- Date: Friday, Jan. 23
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
- TV: Not available on traditional broadcast
- Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
- Radio: WXYT-FM (97.1 The Ticket)
Looking Ahead for Detroit
After Friday’s game, the Pistons face a tough stretch:
- Sunday, Jan. 25: vs. Sacramento Kings, 3 p.m.
ET (FSND)
- Tuesday, Jan. 27: at Denver Nuggets, 9 p.m.
ET (FSND)
- Thursday, Jan. 29: at Phoenix Suns, 9 p.m.
ET (FSND)
- Friday, Jan. 30: at Golden State Warriors, 10 p.m.
ET (FSND/ESPN)
- Sunday, Feb. 1: vs.
Brooklyn Nets, 6 p.m. ET (FSND)
This is a critical stretch for a Pistons team that’s proven it can hang with anyone. With momentum on their side and a roster that’s growing more confident by the day, Detroit is starting to look like a team that’s not just aiming for the playoffs-but something bigger.
Friday night’s game against Houston is another chance to show it. Just make sure you’ve got your Prime login ready.