Ku Khahil here, the host of the daily Locked On Pistons podcast, with your daily Locked On Pistons newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Pistons and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Pistons Soar on Three-Game Win Streak: Cade Cunningham’s 40-Point Masterpiece
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles in the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Little Caesars Arena.
| Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The Detroit Pistons are riding high on a three-game winning streak, capped off by an exhilarating victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. This weekend, Cade Cunningham led the charge in spectacular fashion, showcasing the team’s resilience and growing potential.
Cunningham’s performance against the Timberwolves was nothing short of phenomenal. Dropping 40 points and dishing out 9 assists, he went toe-to-toe with Anthony Edwards in a thrilling display of star power. The game felt like a scene from Rocky, with both players trading blows and elevating their teams. Cunningham’s efficiency was impressive, shooting 15-29 from the field and 4-8 from beyond the arc.
What’s particularly encouraging is Cunningham’s improved ball security. After struggling with turnovers early in the season, he’s significantly reduced his giveaways. Over the last ten games, he’s averaging just 3.5 turnovers per game, a marked improvement from the 4.8 he averaged in the first ten games of the season.
Ausar Thompson’s Impact
The insertion of Ausar Thompson into the starting lineup proved to be a game-changer. Thompson’s defensive prowess was on full display, racking up 6 steals and disrupting Minnesota’s offense at every turn. His athleticism and playmaking ability added a new dimension to the Pistons’ attack, highlighted by an electrifying alley-oop from Cunningham that topped SportsCenter’s Top 10.
Thompson’s presence addresses a critical weakness for the Pistons - point-of-attack defense. His ability to guard multiple positions and create havoc on the defensive end is exactly what this team needs to continue its upward trajectory.
The Pistons’ recent success has them knocking on the door of .500, sitting at 17-18. With upcoming games against the Portland Trail Blazers and Brooklyn Nets, there’s a real opportunity to climb above .500 and solidify their position in the playoff race.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pistons’ recent success, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
• The impact of Ron Holland’s energetic play off the bench
• Analyzing the Eastern Conference playoff race and the Pistons’ chances
• Discussion on fan support and the importance of cheering for the team’s success
Jan 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) greets Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) before a game at Frost Bank Center. | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Casting a cursory eye up and down the standings this weekend, I noticed some appearances that made me take a second look. This went for teams for climbing and sliding. So, I’m introducing a potentially recurring feature called “Monday movers”, highlighting teams jostling and jockeying in the standings, likely bound to get more contentious as the season goes on.
San Antonio Spurs
What a thrill it must be for long-suffering Spurs fans to take a glance at the West’s top 10 and see their team there, after so many seasons spent hanging around the bottom of the conference. What a thrill it was for me, too!
It’s not all because of Victor Wembanyama, but the phenom did hit two milestones this weekend: he played his 100th NBA game and he turned 21. His in-game numbers are similarly worth celebrating.
He’s the first player since Shaquille O’Neal to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds before turning 21, and the 7th player in the last 45 years to score over 2,200 points (he’s scored 2,278) through his first 100 games. Other than Bill Walton and Brad Daugherty, Wembanyama’s the only other 7-foot center with 385+ assists before turning 21, though their first 100 games. He’s also put up more threes than Steph Curry did, with 225 to Curry’s 200 through their first 100 games.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Prediction By 2028, Cade Cunningham is projected to be a potential NBA All-Star, reflecting his promising development and impact on the court. Read the full analysis of future stars. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis The Detroit Pistons need Jaden Ivey to make a significant leap this season. His breakout performance could be pivotal for the team’s success. Explore the detailed breakdown.
Preview The Trail Blazers will take on the Pistons at the Little Caesars Arena at 7:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Trades The Jimmy Butler vs. Heat saga escalated quickly: Here’s what we know. (ESPN)
Biz Amazon adds Blake Griffin and Dirk Nowitzki to its inaugural studio coverage for the 2025-2026 season. (The Athletic)
Jan 5, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Utah Jazz guard Brice Sensabaugh (28) is interviewed by Seg Media reporter, Lauren Green following a game against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images | Russell Lansford/Russell Lansford-Imagn Images
One of the most intriguing developments on Sunday came from the Utah Jazz, where rookie Brice Sensabaugh has suddenly burst onto the scene with a scoring explosion.
Sensabaugh dropped 27 points against the Orlando Magic, following up a 34-point performance in his previous outing. That’s a staggering 61 points over two games for a player who had been largely off the fantasy radar. His usage rate has skyrocketed to over 30% in these contests, and he’s been scorching hot from beyond the arc, hitting 12 of 17 three-point attempts.
However, before we rush to add Sensabaugh in all leagues, it’s crucial to examine the context of his breakout. The Jazz were missing several key players, including Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, and Jordan Clarkson. This opened up a significant opportunity for Sensabaugh to showcase his scoring prowess.
The sustainability of Sensabaugh’s production is questionable. His three-point shooting percentage is bound to regress, and when the Jazz get healthier, his minutes and usage are likely to decrease. That said, he’s shown enough to warrant consideration as a streaming option in deeper leagues, particularly when Utah is shorthanded.
Click the button below for more insights, including another Thunder player to keep an eye on for your fantasy roster.
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Detroit Pistons’ 3-1 Road Trip: A Turning Point In the Season? Can the Detroit Pistons maintain their momentum after a successful 3-1 road trip? With standout performances from Jaden Ivey and Paul Reed, the Pistons are making waves in the NBA. This episode breaks down the team’s recent victories against the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns, highlighting Ivey’s impressive shooting and Reed’s defensive prowess
Jaden Ivey Suffers Broken Fibula: What It Means for the Detroit Pistons The Detroit Pistons face a major setback as star player Jaden Ivey suffers what is expected to be a season-ending fibula injury. How will this impact the Pistons’ lineup and their NBA season trajectory? Explore the ripple effects of Ivey’s absence on the Pistons’ strategy, with potential lineup shifts featuring Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, and Marcus Sasser. Discover how these changes might open doors for emerging talents like Ron Holland. The discussion also discusses the long-term implications for Ivey’s contract and the team’s plans.
What’s The Detroit Pistons’ Winning Formula Without Jaden Ivey Can the Detroit Pistons overcome the Charlotte Hornets without Jaden Ivey? With Ivey sidelined the Pistons face a crucial test in their upcoming game. This episode explores how the team plans to adjust, focusing on Cade Cunningham’s potential to step up and lead. Will Cunningham increase his shot attempts and scoring to fill the void left by Ivey? The discussion also covers Malik Beasley’s impact both on and off the court and the strategic decisions the Pistons might make as the trade deadline approaches
