For the first time in nine seasons, the Pistons have a winning record. Clinching a spot in the playoffs. The improvement that fans have seen from last season to this season was what many thought was impossible. The Pistons have persevered even with key players hurt like Jaden Ivey, who has missed over half the season, and Cade Cunningham missing a few games. Many players are stepping up and taking a more central role on the team, like Malik Beasley, Dennis Schroeder, and Tobias Harris. The team has grown so much, and with the help of Coach JB Bickerstaff, they are succeeding.

The Pistons have produced some of the greatest players, notably the “Bad Boys”, which included Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer, John Salley, and Dennis Rodman. They were led by Coach Chuck Daly. Winning the 1989 and 1990 NBA championships. The team was both loved and hated by many, known for their tough physical play and intense rivalry with the Boston Celtics and then the Chicago Bulls. The next notable era was the “Going to Work Era” In which Ben Wallace, Chauncey Billipus, Richard Hamitlon, Rasheed Wallace, and Tayshaun defined the definition of a true and complete starting five. Winning the 2004 championship and Billups being named finals MVP.

We began a new era when Cade Cunningham was drafted number one overall in the 2021 draft. It took some time and some injuries, but Cunningham has established himself as one of the premier point guards in the NBA, being named an all-star for the first time this year. Jaden Ivey, Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, Malik Beasley, and Tim Hardaway Jr. have since rounded out the roster via the draft, trades, and shrewd free agent signings by our new President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon.

The playoffs start with the top six teams from each conference being ensured a spot in the playoffs, with seeds seven to ten having to participate in the play-in to try and secure a spot to extend their season in the playoffs. It is called the play-in because it’s a tournament played before the regular NBA playoffs, determining the final two playoff seeds from each conference. The play-in was started in the 2020-21 season. Thankfully, the Pistons have done so well that they clinched the 6-seed and don’t need to qualify in the play-in games.

The Pistons are set to play the Knicks in the first round of playoffs the Knicks are currently the third seed This matchup will start with home court advantage in favor of the Knicks since they are the higher-ranked seed. This season, the Pistons have played the Knicks four times, with the Pistons beating the Knicks three times and losing once, most recently on April 10th. The Pistons won by 9 after being down for the majority of the game. This comeback shows the type of energy we can hope to expect in the playoffs.A key player matchup many are excited for is Jalen Brunson vs Cade Cunningham, Brunson being known as a reliable scorer and during high pressure games still delivering while Cunningham this year has become a leader for his team and also a reliable scorer. Both players are seen as top tier point guards. It should be a very intriguing game. The Pistons odds of winning based on previous performances against the Knicks is high. This past win will hopefully provide the Pistons some confidence for the first round of playoffs.