By Chris Robinson

The Detroit Pistons have been a surprise power in the NBA this season.

Currently sitting atop the NBA’s Eastern Conference, Detroit boasts a 49–18 record and a young, tenacious squad that brings back some nostalgia from the “Bad Boys” title era.

Coming off a playoff appearance last season, Detroit entered 2025–26 with expectations that have already been exceeded.

Twenty-four-year-old Cade Cunningham orchestrates the offense, averaging 24.9 points, 10.1 assists, and 5.6 rebounds on 46.0% shooting (35.0% from three).

Just 22 years old, Jalen Duren has been a real force inside, averaging 18.7 points and 10.6 rebounds on elite 63.9% shooting while playing with the confidence and tenacity of a veteran.

Ausar Thompson chips in 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.9 steals; Isaiah Stewart adds 10.0 points and 1.6 blocks per game. Former Heat forward Duncan Robinson (11.9 ppg) is a sharpshooter off the bench with valuable playoff experience.

Tobias Harris (13.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg) is another veteran who has fit into the rotation quite well. The Pistons also feature several emerging young players, including 20-year-old Ronald Holland II (8.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg), who is coming into his own.

What to Expect

As the regular season winds down, Detroit’s core has stayed mostly healthy, though Stewart (calf) is currently out with no timetable to return.

The Pistons appear primed for their first playoff series victory since 2008, as they will likely face one of the Play-In seeds with home-court advantage in the first round.

Detroit currently owns a 109.1 defensive rating (2nd in the NBA) and will be tested as the playoffs progress and opponents bring their best offensive attacks.

The Pistons are just 5–5 in their last 10 games but still look like a major threat out of the East, given their youthful energy and tenacious defense.

Whether their lack of playoff experience will be their undoing remains to be seen — but it’s certain to be fun to watch.

Chris Robinson can be reached at crobinson@hustleboss.com