Last updated: Nov. 4, 2026. We will update this page on game day and add the final score after the game.
Wondering where to watch the Detroit Pistons vs. Lakers this weekend? Here is the short answer: The Pistons host the Los Angeles Lakers at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m. ET. In metro Detroit, the game is on The Spot – Detroit 20, free with an antenna, and streams on DAZN. Outside the Detroit market, it is on NBA TV. The radio call is on 97.1 The Ticket.
That makes this an easier watch than Wednesday’s ESPN-only game against Philadelphia. Below you’ll find the channel, every streaming option, what Lakers fans out West need to know, a quick preview and tips if you are heading downtown.
Jump to: Quick answer · What channel · How to stream · Radio · Game preview · Going to the game · FAQ · Bottom line
Where to watch Detroit Pistons vs. Lakers: TV, stream and tip-off at a glance
| Game | Los Angeles Lakers at Detroit Pistons |
| Date | Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT) |
| Venue | Little Caesars Arena, Detroit |
| TV in Detroit | The Spot – Detroit 20 (WMYD) |
| Stream in Detroit | DAZN |
| National TV | NBA TV |
| Lakers TV (Los Angeles) | Spectrum SportsNet |
| Radio | 97.1 The Ticket |
What channel is the Pistons vs. Lakers game on?
In the Detroit area, the game is on The Spot – Detroit 20. It is a free over-the-air station, so any TV with an antenna can pick it up on channel 20, and it is also carried by cable and satellite providers. The station’s 71-game Pistons broadcast schedule, published by WXYZ, lists the Nov. 8 Lakers game at 6 p.m. If you live elsewhere in Michigan, other Scripps stations, such as WXMI 17 in Grand Rapids and WSYM 47 in Lansing, carry the local broadcast too.
NBA TV also has the game. The league named Lakers-Pistons one of Detroit’s five NBA TV games this season, and Sports Media Watch’s Pistons TV schedule lists NBA TV nationally alongside Detroit 20 and DAZN at home. NBA TV is a non-exclusive national channel, which means the local broadcast still airs in Detroit. If you are in the Detroit market, Channel 20 is the one to use; NBA TV is mainly for fans outside Michigan.
Compare that with Wednesday, Nov. 4, when the 76ers game is on ESPN only and does not air on Channel 20, as explained in our Pistons vs. 76ers viewing guide. Not sure which number Channel 20 is with your provider? Our Detroit TV channel guide lists the local stations.
How to live stream Pistons vs. Lakers
Looking for where to watch Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons live on a phone, laptop or smart TV? Your streaming option depends on where you are.
- In the Detroit market: DAZN streams the Pistons’ locally televised games, including this one. You need a DAZN subscription; check DAZN for current plans and prices.
- Elsewhere in the U.S.: watch on NBA TV through a cable, satellite or live TV streaming package that includes it, or through NBA League Pass, which covers out-of-market games.
- Lakers fans in Southern California: the Lakers’ local broadcast is on Spectrum SportsNet, with streaming on Spectrum SportsNet+. Tip-off is 3 p.m. PT.
How to watch on Sunday night, step by step
- With an antenna: rescan your channels if you haven’t recently, then tune to The Spot – Detroit 20 a few minutes before 6 p.m. ET.
- With cable or satellite: find Detroit 20 (WMYD) in your guide.
- On a phone or smart TV: open the DAZN app and sign in. Outside Michigan, use NBA TV or League Pass instead.
- Game-day check: confirm the time on the official Pistons or NBA schedule on Sunday, since broadcast plans can change.
Can I listen to the Pistons-Lakers game on the radio?
Yes. Audacy’s 97.1 The Ticket (WXYT) is the Pistons’ radio home this season. It is the easiest free option if you are driving or away from a TV.
Pistons vs. Lakers preview: two hot starts meet in Detroit
Detroit was 6-1 entering its Nov. 4 home game against Philadelphia. After its only loss, at New York on Oct. 27, it won at Brooklyn 110-94 on Oct. 30 and then routed Charlotte 124-91 on Nov. 2. Cade Cunningham scored 33 points in that game, Duncan Robinson added 24 and Ausar Thompson had 14.
Injuries are the main storyline for Detroit. Center Jalen Duren has been out since Oct. 24 with a right hamstring strain and was expected to be re-evaluated in about two weeks, according to an injury update cited by SI, and guard Isaiah Joe missed the Nov. 2 game with a hip injury. Check the official injury report before tip-off.
The Lakers are also off to a strong start. Their posted results put them at 6-2 through Nov. 2, including a 138-117 home win over Miami that night. Luka Doncic scored 52 points in a 132-123 win at Utah on Oct. 25. Los Angeles plays Portland at home before flying to Detroit.
Detroit also has recent history on its side. The Pistons swept the 2025-26 season series, winning 128-106 in Los Angeles and 113-110 at home on March 23, 2026. After Sunday, the Pistons play again the next night, hosting Washington on Monday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock and The Spot – Detroit 20. Our Detroit Pistons schedule and TV guide covers every game after that.
Going to the game at Little Caesars Arena
Little Caesars Arena is at 2645 Woodward Ave. in downtown Detroit. Doors usually open about 90 minutes before Pistons games, the arena is cashless, and bags must be smaller than 4 by 6 by 1.5 inches. Our Detroit venues guide covers entrances, parking and how to get there on the QLINE or People Mover.
Pistons vs. Lakers FAQ
Is the Pistons-Lakers game on Channel 20?
Yes. The Nov. 8 game airs on The Spot – Detroit 20 in metro Detroit and streams on DAZN. It is also on NBA TV nationally.
What time does Pistons vs. Lakers start?
Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 8, at Little Caesars Arena. That is 3 p.m. PT for Lakers fans in Los Angeles.
Can I watch Pistons vs. Lakers for free?
Yes, in the Detroit area. The Spot – Detroit 20 is a free over-the-air channel, so an antenna is all you need. You can also listen for free on 97.1 The Ticket.
Is Pistons vs. Lakers on NBA TV?
Yes. It is one of the Pistons’ five NBA TV games this season. In Detroit, use Channel 20 or DAZN; NBA TV is the main option for viewers outside the two teams’ home markets.
Who won the last Pistons-Lakers game?
The Pistons won 113-110 in Detroit on March 23, 2026, completing a 2-0 season series sweep. We will add the Nov. 8 result here after the game.
The bottom line: Channel 20 in Detroit, NBA TV everywhere else
For Sunday’s Lakers game, Detroit fans have it easy: turn on The Spot – Detroit 20 or open DAZN at 6 p.m. ET, or listen on 97.1 The Ticket. Fans outside Michigan can find the game on NBA TV. With both teams off to fast starts, it is one of the better early-season matchups at Little Caesars Arena.
Sources: NBA.com game page; WXYZ’s published Pistons local broadcast schedule (Sept. 28, 2026); Sports Media Watch Pistons and Lakers TV listings; The Desk on the Pistons’ broadcast partners; the Pistons’ NBA TV slate as reported by Roundtable (Sept. 4, 2026); SI scoreboard and injury report; Lakers schedule and results via FanDuel Research; ESPN; Silver Screen and Roll; Lakers-Pistons rivalry records. Schedules and broadcast assignments can change; confirm on game day.
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