If you're looking for the roar of Ford Field this weekend, you're going to be met with a lot of empty parking lots and quiet concession stands. Seriously. I know, it’s January. This is usually the time of year when Detroit is buzzing with playoff fever, but the 2025-2026 NFL season didn't exactly go the way we all hoped.
The Lions are officially done. After finishing fourth in the NFC North, the boys in Honolulu Blue are already looking toward the 2026 draft and their newly set opponents for next fall. It's a bummer, I get it. We’ve grown accustomed to deep January runs lately, but this year the Divisional Round is moving on without us.
But don't check out just yet.
Detroit sports is never just about one team. While the Lions are resting their bruises, the hardwood at Little Caesars Arena is heating up, and the ice is getting chipped away by some serious divisional rivalry. If you’re asking who does Detroit play this weekend, the answer involves a high-stakes meeting with the Indiana Pacers and a Sunday night clash against the Ottawa Senators.
The Pistons Look to Defend Home Court Against Indiana
Saturday night, January 17, is all about the Pistons. Honestly, watching this young core develop has been a rollercoaster, but playing the Indiana Pacers always brings out a different kind of energy.
The game tips off at 7:30 PM ET at Little Caesars Arena.
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Indiana has been a thorn in Detroit’s side for years. They play fast. They shoot a lot of threes. For the Pistons to actually walk away with a "W" here, they have to control the pace. You’ve probably seen the flashes of brilliance from the backcourt, but consistency is the name of the game this weekend.
Tickets are still floating around starting at about $43. If you're heading down there, expect the usual Saturday night crowd—loud, hopeful, and probably clutching a $15 beer. It’s the first leg of a busy weekend for the arena staff, who have to flip that floor from hardwood to ice in a matter of hours.
Sunday Night Hockey: Red Wings vs. Ottawa Senators
Once the basketball hoops are tucked away, the Detroit Red Wings take over. On Sunday, January 18, the Ottawa Senators come to town for a 5:00 PM ET puck drop.
This isn't just another mid-season game. The Atlantic Division is a meat grinder right now. Every single point matters if the Wings want to stay in the wildcard conversation. Ottawa is one of those teams that can be frustratingly good one night and totally fall apart the next.
- The Matchup: Detroit's speed versus Ottawa's physical play.
- The Stakes: Crucial divisional points in a tight Eastern Conference race.
- The Vibe: Family-friendly Sunday afternoon hockey.
Basically, if you’re looking for a reason to get out of the house and avoid the January chill, LCA is the place to be. The Red Wings have been playing a much more disciplined style of hockey lately, and honestly, seeing the "Sergei Fedorov" banner in the rafters (following his recent jersey retirement ceremony on Jan 12) still gives me chills.
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What Happened to the Lions?
I should probably address the elephant in the room. A lot of people searching for the Detroit schedule this weekend are looking for football.
The NFL Divisional Round is happening right now, January 17-18, 2026. However, the Lions aren't on the slate. They finished the season at the bottom of the division, which means their 2026 opponents are already locked in. We know they'll be facing teams like the Titans, Giants, and Cardinals at home next season, but for now, the pads are in storage.
It's a weird feeling. Last year, we were planning watch parties. This year, we're watching the Buffalo Bills play the Denver Broncos and the 49ers head to Seattle. It hurts a little, doesn't it?
Quick Reference: Detroit's Weekend Schedule
Saturday, Jan 17:
Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers
Little Caesars Arena | 7:30 PM ET
Sunday, Jan 18:
Detroit Red Wings vs. Ottawa Senators
Little Caesars Arena | 5:00 PM ET
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Actionable Tips for the Detroit Sports Fan
If you're planning on heading downtown, here’s how to make it not suck.
First, parking. Don’t try to park in the garage directly attached to LCA unless you want to spend 45 minutes trying to leave after the game. Check the District Detroit app or look for the surface lots a few blocks north toward Midtown. You’ll save twenty bucks and a lot of frustration.
Second, the Pistons/Celtics game follows immediately on Monday (MLK Day). If you’re a real hoop-head, you might want to look into a mini-pack. The Celtics game is at 8:00 PM and is usually a sell-out.
Lastly, keep an eye on the Detroit Mercy schedule. They’re playing at IU Indy on Saturday at 2:00 PM. It’s a solid away game to stream on ESPN+ while you’re waiting for the Pistons to start.
Detroit sports might be in a transitional phase with the Lions out of the picture, but between the Pacers and the Senators, there’s plenty of reason to keep the jersey on this weekend. Stick to the arena, grab some Buddy’s Pizza, and enjoy the fact that at least we aren't Chicago.
Check the secondary ticket markets about two hours before tip-off or puck drop. Prices often dip as sellers get desperate to offload seats, and you can often snag lower-bowl access for a fraction of the Friday morning price. Stay warm out there.