The Indiana Pacers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 121-115, at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday.

The Pacers (31-37) and the Pistons (15-53) played a back-and-forth contest Saturday where the edge constantly changed. However, the Pacers enjoyed a strong start and tightened things up when they needed it the most down the stretch to escape with the victory. Indiana jumped to a 35-30 lead in the first quarter and looked in control. They bolstered that advantage even further and raced out to a double-digit differential by halftime following a 34-27 second-quarter score. However, Detroit showed signs of life and put up a fight in the second half. The Pistons won the third quarter by a 33-21 score, erasing Indiana's edge and making it a tied game with 12 minutes left. However, the Pacers executed better in the fourth and ultimately secured the win after outscoring Detroit by a 31-25 score in the final quarter. The Pacers moved to 12-21 on the road with the win, while the Pistons fell to 8-27 at home.

Jalen Smith led the way for the Pacers with 20 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard posted matching 19-point tallies, with Jackson adding 11 rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Nembhard chipped in with eight assists and three boards. Buddy Hield finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jordan Nwora and Oshae Brissett each had 11 points coming off the bench.

Isaiah Livers led the way for the Pistons with 18 points, four rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks. James Wiseman had 16 points and nine rebounds. Killian Hayes was impressive with a 17-point, 13-assist double-double that also included six rebounds and three steals. Rodney McGruder had 11 points.