The Detroit Pistons have gone from a league afterthought to one of the NBA’s biggest surprises. Once viewed as a perennial rebuilding team, they’re forcing a shift in the conversation. With a 33-26 record and eight-game winning streak, some wonder if the Pistons are dark-horse contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Over its last 27 games, the Pistons have posted a 19-8 record—tied for the third-best mark in the league during that stretch. Over its last 10 games, it ranks fourth in offensive and defensive ratings , fourth in points per game , and fifth in assists per game . This surge can largely be credited to head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who has instilled confidence in his roster . His trust in the players has fostered buy-in, setting them apart from teams still seeking consistency .
While the talk of being contenders is promising, the Pistons still have work to do. To become a legitimate Eastern Conference threat, they must sustain their current level of play and defeat top-tier conference teams. With Cade Cunningham and a mix of young talent and veterans, the Pistons have what it takes to compete.
Can The Pistons Emerge As Eastern Conference Contenders?
The Pistons’ Struggles Against Eastern Conference Contenders
To be the best, you have to beat the best—and so far, the Pistons haven’t measured up. Against the top five teams in the Eastern Conference, Detroit holds a disappointing 4-12 record. Their only winning series is against the Knicks (2-1), with two close wins and a 30-point loss.
The Pistons have struggled the most against the conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers, losing all three meetings by an average of 11.3 points. While they notched an impressive 20-point win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, they still dropped three of four in the season series, losing by an average of 13.3 points in the three defeats. The story is similar to Indiana’s—the Pistons lost three matchups by double digits (10.3-point average margin) but managed to steal one game with a dominant 24-point victory. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks have handled the Pistons comfortably, winning both contests by an average of 14 points.
If the Pistons want to be taken seriously as contenders, they must start proving themselves against elite competition. Beating up on lower-tier teams is one thing—competing with the best is another.
Proving Themselves Against Western Conference Contenders
If the Pistons want to establish themselves as genuine championship contenders, they must prove they can compete with the best teams from both conferences. So far, they’ve held their own against the elite of the Western Conference, posting a 3-3 record against the top teams. Though a smaller sample size than the East, these performances build confidence as the season progresses.
Detroit won both tightly contested battles in their season series against the Los Angeles Lakers, showing resilience in clutch moments. They also split their series against the Houston Rockets, edging out a +9 point differential across both games. However, their most significant tests are still ahead. With matchups remaining against the Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, and Oklahoma City Thunder, the Pistons have prime opportunities to showcase their potential on a league-wide stage.
The Last Word
The Detroit Pistons have made strides, but their path to becoming a legitimate contender is still a work in progress. While they’ve shown flashes of brilliance, their struggles against the East’s top teams highlight the need for continued growth. Upcoming games against top Western teams are a proving ground to solidify the Pistons’ place among the NBA’s best. The Pistons can transition from a rising team to a legitimate championship contender with statement wins.
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