The Detroit Pistons are on fire, having won five straight games and improving their record to 19-18. This recent success has propelled them above .500 and into the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. As a long-time team observer, I can’t remember when the morale and overall atmosphere surrounding the Pistons has been this positive.
Currently sitting in the seventh seed, the Pistons are just one game behind Indiana and have one more win than the fifth-seeded Bucks. This puts them firmly in the mix between the fifth and tenth seeds in the East. What’s most impressive is that they’ve managed to maintain this momentum even without Jaden Ivey, who is sidelined for the season.
Over the last ten games, the Pistons boast an impressive 9-1 record. They’ve secured victories against formidable opponents like the Jimmy Butler-led Miami Heat, the New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, and the Minnesota Timberwolves (despite Anthony Edwards’ 50-point performance).
The team’s offense has significantly improved, with Cade Cunningham playing exceptionally well and role players stepping up in Ivey’s absence. This surge in performance has exceeded even the most optimistic preseason expectations, which typically maxed out at hoping for a play-in tournament berth.
Looking ahead, the Pistons might need to reassess their goals for the season. With their current trajectory, aiming for the sixth seed and avoiding the play-in tournament altogether could be a realistic target. The Eastern Conference landscape could further benefit Detroit’s playoff aspirations, with several teams potentially tanking or facing internal issues.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pistons’ recent success and prospects, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
• Analysis of the recent win against the Brooklyn Nets
• The importance of role players like Simone Fontecchio and Marcus Sasser stepping up
• Potential trade deadline decisions and their impact on the team’s direction
