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Pistons Can Eliminate Multiple Teams in NBA Cup Game vs Pacers

What are the elimination scenarios in the Pistons' NBA Cup action against the Pacers?
Justin Grasso|
Oct 23, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots over Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard (26) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Oct 23, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots over Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard (26) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

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Detroit PistonsIndiana Pacers

The Detroit Pistons could take out quite a few teams on Friday night when they take on the Indiana Pacers for some NBA Cup action.

So far, the Pistons have remained undefeated through two games of tournament play. They took down the Miami Heat with a nail-biting victory, then remained unbeaten after taking out the Toronto Raptors.

The final tournament group play outing for Detroit will take place on December 3, against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks are the only other team without a loss in East Group B. Right now, the Pistons have a steep hill to climb, as the Bucks have a 29-point differential, while the Pistons have six.

In order to keep their hopes of advancing alive and well, the Pistons would surely benefit from remaining undefeated with a win against the Pacers on Friday. If they can take down Indiana, the Pistons could knock out a few other teams as well.

Jaden Ivey facing the Pacers.
Dec 11, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) drives to the basket for a layup over Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) in the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Elimination Scenarios on Friday

  • Indiana Pacers would be eliminated by losing to the Pistons
  • Miami Heat would be eliminated if the Pistons win
  • Boston Celtics would be eliminated with a loss and a Pistons win
  • Chicago Bulls would be eliminated with a loss and a Pistons win

The Pistons and the Pacers met back in October. For the fifth straight game between the two teams, the Pacers came away with a victory, defeating the Pistons 115-109.

It took some time for the Pistons to finally get a win after the season-opener against Indiana, but once they did, they put the NBA on notice as they’ve looked much more improved after last year’s disappointing campaign.

The Pistons and the Pacers are set to tip-off at 8 PM ET.

Published
Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

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