3 Reasons Detroit Pistons Can Finish as Top Four Seed in Eastern Conference

The Detroit Pistons look to be among the top seeds in the Eastern Conference for a second consecutive season.

Apr 25, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) drives to the basket past Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) in the first quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Eastern Conference saw drastic changes this offseason. These changes will affect the Detroit Pistons as they look to build on a 2025-26 NBA season in which they earned the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and 60 wins.  

In an improved Eastern Conference that saw the Philadelphia 76ers take a step forward with the signing of LeBron James and the acquisition of Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics, the Pistons are still out to prove that they can earn a top seed in the conference during the 2026-27 NBA season. 

With the Pistons' opening game against the Boston Celtics on Oct. 20 just two months away, here are three reasons why Detroit can still earn a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference, which would guarantee them home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs if they are at least the No. 3 or No. 4 seed. 

Cade Cunningham's Leadership

May 13, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) celebrates in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After an MVP-caliber season with the Pistons, Cade Cunningham is primed to have another great year in the Motor City. If not for his collapsed lung diagnosis in early March last season that kept him out for the regular season, Cunningham could’ve had a strong case for the MVP award.

Cunningham has led the Pistons' remarkable turnaround. Just two seasons ago, the Pistons finished with their worst record in franchise history at 14-68. Following a 2025-26 season that ended in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games to the Cleveland Cavaliers, expect Cunningham to be determined to take the Pistons to that next step. 

The Pistons' toughness and Cunningham’s leadership may be enough for Detroit to earn a top-four seed in an improved Eastern Conference. During the regular season, Cunningham averaged 23.9 points, 9.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. 

Improved Three-Point Shooting

Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) celebrates a shot against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Improving their three-point shooting was one of the many things on the Pistons' offseason checklist. Last season, the Pistons had among the worst three-point shooting percentages in the league, which held them back in the postseason. 

This offseason, the Pistons added three players who shot over 40 percent from three-point range last season: Oklahoma City guard Isaiah Joe, Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince, and Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins. With these three additions, the Pistons look to take a step forward in their scoring from beyond the arc, which is a key for any NBA team to make a deep playoff run.

An Improved Ausar Thompson

May 13, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) during player introductions before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Pistons forward Ausar Thompson is regarded as one of the best young NBA defenders. Last season, Thompson led the NBA in steals, averaging 2.0 per game. While Thompson’s defense has helped the Pistons become one of the best defenses, his offense remains a major question mark. 

This offseason, Thompson has been working to improve his offense. If Thompson improves on both ends of the court, it’ll help the Pistons remain one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams. During the 2025-26 regular season, Thompson averaged 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.