The NBA’s Eastern Conference is wide open due to injuries changing the outlook of several would-be contenders in the conference.
With a few stars out of the mix, that opens the door for an unexpected team or two to make their mark on the playoff picture.
The emerging talents of the Detroit Pistons are no longer a secret after a playoff berth last year. While they’re not a true darkhorse anymore, expect the Pistons to be right back in the playoffs once again with an opportunity to make some noise, all while picking up a division title along the way.
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The Pistons’ path to the playoffs is and a first-place finish in the Central division is largely driven by the issues with other teams in the East.
The Banged Up Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers represented the Eastern Conference last season in the NBA Finals, but with star point guard Tyrese Haliburton out for the season, the chances of another Finals berth next summer are slim.
Backup point guard T.J. McConnell suffered a hamstring injury during the Pacers’ first preseason game and could be out at least a month, putting more pressure on Andrew Nembhard to take over point guard duties for Indiana.
After the season, former Pacers center Myles Turner signed a four-year, $107 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, weakening the Pacers’ front line and taking away rim protection. The Cleveland Cavaliers signed the Pacers’ backup center, Thomas Bryant, breaking up the Pacers’ front court.
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Injury Issues Help Detroit
The Cavaliers are within the Pistons’ division and are picked by some to win the Eastern Conference and represent the East in the NBA Finals.
The Cavaliers will be without Darius Garland to start the season with a toe injury that required surgery. Garland’s absence could contribute to the Cavaliers having a slow start, making for a prime opportunity for the Pistons to not only make the playoffs, but also win the Central.
With the Pistons having a rugged front line with centers Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, and Cade Cunningham in the backcourt, it could be very difficult for the Cavs to keep Detroit in their rearview mirror this season.
Jayson Tatum’s Injury
For the Boston Celtics, the Jayson Tatum Achilles injury has been demoralizing. Tatum could return sometime during the 2025-26 season, but it’s far from a guarantee, and if Tatum returns, will he be able to return to All-NBA form?
The Celtics have new ownership, and to get out from paying the luxury tax, they elected to move on from Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, trading away both players.
The Celtics also lost Al Horford in free agency to the Golden State Warriors.
— WarriorMedia (@WarriorMedia_) October 6, 2025
With the attrition of the Celtics’ roster, Boston will not be a favorite to represent the Eastern Conference in the Finals. Given key injuries and departures, look for Boston to be middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference.
Cade Cunningham Needs a Robin to Run With Him
The Pistons’ President of Basketball Operations, Trajan Langdon, decided to let the team’s young core mature and did not bring in a veteran in free agency to pair with Cunningham.
While we can have high expectations for this team, for the Pistons to truly challenge in the Eastern Conference, Cunningham’s backcourt mate, Jaden Ivey, will need to take a leap like Cunningham did the season before.