The Detroit Pistons have secured a spot in the playoffs following a 117-105 victory over the Toronto Raptors, marking a significant turnaround from their previous season’s record of just 14 wins—the lowest in the NBA. This season’s performance is historically notable, as Detroit becomes the first team in league history to triple its win total from the prior year.

Playoff Seed Dynamics

Currently, the Pistons hold the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, but their position is precarious. They are tied with the Milwaukee Bucks in the loss column, having played one more game. The Bucks, boasting a 2-0 record against Detroit in their head-to-head matchups, would win the tiebreaker if the teams finished with the same record. As both teams have two games remaining against each other, these matchups will likely decide the final seeding for the playoffs.

Team Sentiments and Performance

Jalen Duren, a third-year player for the Pistons, expressed mixed emotions about the playoff berth, stating, “Honestly, right now, it’s hard to put emotions together. It’s a testament to all the hard work we put in since day one. But we’re not done yet. Nowhere near satisfied. We’re going to keep going, keep growing, and keep stacking.”

Resilience Without Key Players

Notably, the Pistons achieved this victory without their star point guard, Cade Cunningham, who has been sidelined since March 21 due to a calf contusion. Despite Cunningham’s absence, the team has performed admirably, winning four of six games, with a standout victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This success without their primary playmaker positions the Pistons as a formidable opponent heading into the playoffs.

Projected Playoff Matchups

While Detroit could drop to the sixth seed and face the New York Knicks, they possess the potential to challenge either opponent. Should they retain the fifth seed and meet the Indiana Pacers, it could result in a closely matched contest, especially given Indiana’s strong performance since the All-Star break.

Strengths of the Pistons

Since the start of 2024, Detroit has displayed one of the league’s most impressive defensive ratings, ranking third, alongside a solid net rating at fifth overall. Their offense ranks just outside the top ten, showcasing a balanced approach. The roster features a mix of promising young talent alongside experienced players, such as Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dennis Schroder. This depth contributes to their hard-nosed playing style and defensive intensity.

Conclusion

With their playoff spot secured, the Detroit Pistons have established themselves as a competitive team capable of making an impact in the postseason. Their determination and resilience, even in the absence of key players, signal that they can pose serious challenges to any playoff opponent they face.