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The Pistons’ scrappy, underdog spirit could give them the edge they need to pull off an upset against the star-studded Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.Charlotte Today
The Detroit Pistons are being projected to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals but ultimately fall to the Boston Celtics, according to a new round of NBA playoff predictions. However, the Pistons’ scrappy, underdog persona and the coaching passion of J.B. Bickerstaff could give them the edge they need to pull off the upset.
Why it matters
The Pistons have exceeded expectations this season and are looking to continue their Cinderella run in the playoffs. A potential matchup with the star-studded Celtics would be a compelling clash of styles, pitting Boston’s two-way talent against Detroit’s gritty, defensive-minded approach.
The details
ESPN’s Zach Kram has the Pistons falling to the Celtics in six games in the East Finals, noting the potential mismatch between Boston’s wings like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White against Detroit’s specialists Ausar Thompson and Duncan Robinson. However, the Pistons’ head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is described as ‘starving’ for a championship, and the team’s underdog mentality could give them the extra motivation to pull off the upset if they can stay healthy.
The Pistons will take on the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the playoffs on Sunday, April 19, 2026.The predicted East Finals matchup between the Pistons and Celtics would take place in late May 2026.
The players
Detroit Pistons
An NBA team known for their scrappy, underdog persona and defensive-minded approach.
Boston Celtics
An NBA team with a star-studded roster, including Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White, who are projected to defeat the Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals.
J.B. Bickerstaff
The head coach of the Detroit Pistons, described as being ‘starving’ for a championship and expected to motivate his team to pull off an upset against the favored Celtics.
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What they’re saying
“This conference finals matchup would have seemed improbable in the preseason, when the Pistons appeared to be a rising but still nascent contender and the Celtics looked poised for a ‘gap year’ without (Jayson Tatum). But, now it’s a compelling clash between the NBA’s second-best offense and second-best defense, and the likely top two finishers for the Coach of the Year award.”
— Zach Kram, ESPN Writer
“Tatum (who didn’t play against Detroit this season), Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are two-way stars, while Ausar Thompson and Duncan Robinson are one-way specialists.”
— Zach Kram, ESPN Writer
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.