Detroit Pistons Should Scare Eastern Conference Even Without Cade Cunningham

Matt Levine works as a lead contributing writer for TWSN. His expertise is in covering the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, and college athletics. He has been with TWSN since 2025. He graduated in 2021 with a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from Louisiana State University.

Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

When star point guard Cade Cunningham went down due to a collapsed lung a few weeks ago, the common narrative around the Detroit Pistons was that they may fall off. After all, Cunningham was a massive part to the puzzle for Detroit, and he has been the leader of this team all season long.

But rather than get down about losing the best player, Detroit instead decided to block out all the outside noise and focus on what was going on in the locker room. Since Cunningham went down, the Pistons have gone 8-2, taking down some of the better teams in the NBA along the way.

This includes the Los Angeles Lakers, the Minnesota Timberwolves twice, the Golden State Warriors, and others. Detroit also fought a tough game against the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, falling just short in overtime.

At this point, it’s safe to say that this is a very good basketball team, and even without the star in Cunningham, this group needs to be taken seriously. The Pistons know that they will be counted out moving forward, even with all the success that they have seen this season.

But this team is for real, and they will continue to be just fine falling under the radar within the league. With the postseason just a few weeks away, the Pistons have the look of a true title contender, and they won’t be an easy out for anyone.

TWSN Quick Facts:

Team: Detroit Pistons
Record: 56-21
Eastern Conference placement: First place

Can Pistons Shock the NBA to Win the Eastern Conference?

Currently, the Pistons hold a record of 56-21 on the season, and they are sitting in first place within the Eastern Conference standings. Detroit is 4.5 games up on the second-place Boston Celtics, giving themselves some cushion for the final few weeks.

But this team need to keep playing strong basketball, and securing the No. 1 seed will be crucial to how this year could finish. Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff understands this, and just wants his players to keep playing within the system that they have.

“Our aim is to be playing our best basketball (for the playoffs) and it’s all systematic stuff,” Bickerstaff said. “Our guys understand that. There’s opportunities for individual freedom within it, but guys don’t step outside to be something they’re not and that’s on both ends of the floor. As long as we’re sound in our system, that’s going to give us a chance to win basketball games.”

Detroit got a taste of the postseason last year, pushing the New York Knicks in a tough six-game first-round series. This gave the group the confidence needed for this year, and it has worked out strong so far.

But the emergence of center Jalen Duren this season has pushed well past where Detroit may have even seen him. Duren has become an offensive engine for the Pistons this year, especially of late without Cunningham on the floor.

The big man is averaging 23.3 points on 66.3 percent shooting, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists since the star guard went down. Duren has been able to keep this group afloat, and if he can keep this up, the sky is the limit for this team.

Cunningham may be out for the rest of the regular season, but the team could get him back for the playoffs. If this were to happen, the Pistons could ease him back, and have a real shot to go after the Eastern Conference title.

Historic Season For Pistons

With a couple weeks left, the Pistons have already clinched the fifth-best record in franchise history, and they can get up too as high as the third-best. Only the 2005-06 and 1988-89 teams are better, and this group has a chance to put the stamp on the organization’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Pistons record last year?

The Pistons went 44-38 last season.

What are Cade Cunningham’s numbers this season?

Cunningham has played in 61 games for the Pistons this season. So far, he has put up 24.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 9.9 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks per contest.

When was the last time the Pistons won the NBA title?

The last time that the Piston won the NBA title was in the during the 2003-2004 season.

When do the NBA playoffs start?

The first-round of the NBA playoffs will start on April 18.

Detroit Pistons Should Scare Eastern Conference Even Without Cade Cunningham

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