To surprise the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons must prove themselves The Pistons face a tough challenge right out of the gate in the 2024-25 NBA season. In their first 10 games, they will face eight teams that were in playoff contention last season, including the Boston Celtics And The Philadelphia 76erswho possess MVP caliber talent in Jayson Tatum And Joel Embiid.
Although the first few weeks are filled with challenges, the Pistons have an opportunity to build momentum As the season progresses, the midseason schedule offers a chance to gain momentum: will they capitalize on it or let early struggles derail them? Here are some key takeaways and predictions for the Pistons’ 2024-25 season.
Pistons 2024-25 season: Key projections and predictions
Pistons’ best month in 2024-25
November could be a turning point for the Pistons, with a 17-game season slate November will feature nine home games and eight away games. Three of the four NBA Cup games will also be played, adding an extra layer of intensity as teams vie for bragging rights in the new format. Through the first five games, the Pistons are projected to go 3-2, with wins on Nov. 3 when they visit the Brooklyn Nets, Nov. 6 when they visit the Charlotte Hornets and Nov. 8 when they host the Hawks. These wins are the result of favorable matchups and the Pistons’ growing cohesion.
As November progresses, the Pistons will alternate between wins and losses before finding their groove with a five-game winning streak from 11/15 to 11/25. This streak could be the momentum shift they need, with confidence building game after game. However, a tough game against the Memphis Grizzlies on 11/27 will likely mark the start of a three-game losing streak to close out the month. The Grizzlies, led by a team that has come back from Yes Morantwill be on a revenge tour after missing the entire season with a shoulder injury. Road games against the Pacers and Sixers are tough challenges the Pistons may need help to overcome.
With a projected 2-3 record in October, a 9-8 record in November would put the Pistons at .500 in December, a significant improvement over last season, when they started December with just two wins. That nine-game improvement would rekindle hope and entice fans back to fill the stands at Little Caesars Arena.
Pistons’ worst month of 2024-25 season
After a solid November that saw the Pistons finish over .500, December is shaping up to be the toughest month in their history. The challenges start early, with back-to-back losses to the Milwaukee Bucks on December 3 and the Boston Celtics on December 4, two of the Eastern Conference powerhouses. The struggles continue with a loss to the New York Knicks on December 7, as the Pistons struggle to keep up with a more experienced team.
After a break for the NBA Cup Finally, the Pistons will host the Jazz on Dec. 19, a winnable game for the next generation. However, the momentum could be short-lived as Dec. 21 begins a grueling four-game West Coast road trip. The Pistons will quickly face the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets and are expected to win just one game, against the Kings on Dec. 26. The stiff competition, high altitude and star power of Phoenix and Los Angeles make this a daunting road trip.
With a 2-6 record in December, the Pistons will likely enter January with a 13-17 record. Finishing below .500 isn’t ideal, but it’s a significant improvement from where they started last season at 3-29. That improvement keeps them within striking distance of a spot in the play-in tournament, giving fans reason to remain hopeful.
Star Break
Heading into the All-Star break, the Pistons are projected to go 24-29. Despite that record reflecting growing pains, Detroit will still have a strong presence at All-Star weekend in San Francisco.
- Ausar Thompson And Ron Holland will show off their talent in the Rookies vs. Sophomores game.
- Simone Fontecchio will join the three-point contest, showcasing his precise shooting, a crucial weapon for the Pistons.
- Holland will bring his explosive athleticism to the Slam Dunk Contest.
As for the All-Star Game, Cade Cunningham will be in the running for a spot on the roster. However, the competition is fierce, with established stars like Donovan Mitchell, Trae YoungAnd LaMelo Ball all vying for guard positions.
Back in the regular season, the Pistons will likely struggle to make an impact in their opening games. They will likely finish February with a 1-4 record, starting with back-to-back losses to the Spurs on 2/21 and the Hawks on 2/23. A win over the Clippers on 2/24 will provide a brief respite before the Pistons close out the month with tough matchups against the Celtics on 2/26 and the Nuggets on 2/28, two teams that are contenders for the title.
Projecting the Pistons’ final stretch in 2024-25
The Pistons will play an equal amount of home and away games in their final 18 games. With a 25-33 record heading into March, they are projected to finish the regular season with a 9-13 record. However, as the season draws to a close, the Pistons could end on a four-game losing streak, finishing with a 35-45 record.
Last season, the Atlanta Hawks finished 10th in the Eastern Conference with 36 wins. If the Hawks and Bulls are rebuilding, the Pistons could seize the opportunity and secure the 10th spot. While a 35-45 record may not be ideal, it could be enough to keep Detroit in the playoff race.
The last word
The 2024-25 season presents the Detroit Pistons with a unique mix of challenges and opportunities. Despite a difficult December and final stretch, the team’s young core is showing promise and resilience. A 35-45 record may seem modest, but it could pave the way for a play-in tournament berth and future success. This season is about growth, laying the foundation for the Pistons to once again become a force in the Eastern Conference. The journey will be long, but the building blocks are falling into place.
Additional note: Depending on two unscheduled games due to the NBA Cup, the Pistons will finish 37-45, 36-46 or 35-47.
