Three Things To Keep an Eye on in the Detroit Pistons’ Final Six Games

The Detroit Pistons clinched their first division title in 18 years last night. It's yet another milestone that helps define the dominance Detroit has had over the entire Eastern conference this season.

The Pistons have enjoyed performances from two All-Stars. Their head coach, J.B. Bickerstaff, represented the Eastern conference during All-Star weekend in just his second year with Detroit. Pistons center Jalen Duren is the current betting favorite to win the NBA's Most Improved Player of the year award. Daniss Jenkins has risen to occasions in ways no Pistons fan expected him to before the season started.

As legendary Pistons rival Kobe Bryant once said, the job is not finished. There are still trends to be mindful of and flaws that need patching up. There are still screws loose that need to be tightened and flaws that need to be addressed.

On the other hand, there's so much to be optimistic about. There are areas of the game Detroit has been consistent in that fans want to see continue into the postseason this April.

Daniss Jenkins playing defens — Mar 31, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons Daniss Jenkins (24) blocks a shot from Toronto Raptors RJ Barrett (9) during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images | David Reginek-Imagn Images

Daniss Jenkins needs to keep his role

The return of Cade Cunningham should not diminish Jenkins' role on this team. Jenkins has earned the right be a consistent contributor to the Pistons. Jenkins' average playing time in March spiked up by nine minutes compared to February. Jenkins has made the most of every minute he's played this season and all the work is coming together this month.

When the NBA Playoffs begin this April, the Pistons cannot reduce his role. Jenkins is exactly the kind of spark plug a slow and methodical halfcourt offense like Detroit's needs. The Pistons are going to need someone who isn't afraid to shoot the ball within the first six seconds of the shot clock. They're going to need a fearless bucket-getter who can score in isolation and can catch fire very quickly.

Most importantly, they're going to need a commander of the offense at all times. If Cade Cunningham plays over 40 minutes per postseason again this season, Jenkins need to hover around the 30 to 35 minute range. Jenkins has proved to be valuable enough to earn those kind of minutes alongside Cunningham. Detroit's perimeter offense has not proven to be efficient and reliable enough to warrant Jenkins returning to his season average of 19.6 minutes.

Over the past eight games, Jenkins is averaging 36.3 minutes, 18.5 points, 6.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.6 steals while shooting 46.1% from the field and 40.6% from behind the three-point line.

The defense needs to stay dominant

The month of March was not great to the Pistons compared to the rest of the season. Players have bounced in and out of the lineup due to injury. Partially because of the lineup inconsistencies, Detroit's defense had slipped slightly. They're now trending back upwards, even without potential All-Defensive team selection Isaiah Stewart.

"The Pistons also have rediscovered their hellacious defense, which had suffered some slippage in the second half of the campaign. Knowing that Cunningham will return, Bickerstaff has to get his players back into roles more suited to the playoffs,"
ESPN's Vincent Goodwill

The Pistons still rank No. 2 in defensive rating for the entire season. Over the past five games, Detroit ranks No. 4 in defensive rating. Throughout the entire month of March, Detroit ranked No. 7 in defensive rating while missing Ausar Thompson, Cade Cunningham, and Isaiah Stewart for a sizable amount of games.

Huerter's role increase

Bickerstaff was hesitant to immediately give Huerter big starter minutes when he first arrived in Detroit via trade this past February, despite the Pistons' desperate need for three-point shooting. The Pistons head coach has earned the trust of the fans with moves just like these.

After a slow and steady insertion into the rotation, Huerter is finding his stride. Huerter is averaging six three-point attempts on 41.7% shooting from beyond the arc. He's also averaging 14.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, three assists, and one steal while shooting 48.9% from the field.

Huerter is another pick-and-roll ball handler for the bench unit. He's a sharpshooter who can keep defenses on their toes with sudden, efficient, and creative perimeter offense. This is the kind of dynamic play and pace that will only help Detroit in the playoffs, considering how slow and bruising their offense have been this season.