What Detroit Pistons Still Need To Do To Clinch No. 1 Seed in Eastern Conference

Following their 127-116 win over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night, here's what the Detroit Pistons still need to do to clinch the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Mar 30, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff holds back forward Ronald Holland II (5) after he received a foul call from an official during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

For the first time since the 2007-08 NBA season, the Detroit Pistons have won the Central Division crown following their 127-116 win over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night at Little Caesars Arena. 

After missing Monday night’s overtime road loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jalen Duren made his return for the Pistons, leading Detroit with 31 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, on an efficient 12-of-13 shooting from the field. 

Daniss Jenkins also had another phenomenal performance for the Pistons, scoring 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists on 5-of-9 shooting from the field. Four other Pistons players scored in double figures in the win against the Raptors, including Duncan Robinson (19 points), Tobias Harris (12 points), Caris LeVert (12 points), and Paul Reed (10 points). 

What Pistons Need to Do to Clinch No. 1 Seed In Eastern Conference

Mar 31, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Toronto Raptors Scottie Barnes (4) defends against Detroit Pistons Kevin Huerter (27) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images | David Reginek-Imagn Images

With the win, the Pistons improved to 55-21 on the season and are 4.5 games ahead of the Boston Celtics for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The magic number for the Pistons to clinch the No. 1 seed with six games remaining on Detroit’s regular season schedule is two wins. 

The six games remaining on the Pistons' regular-season schedule include two home games at Little Caesars Arena against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks. The Pistons also have four remaining road matchups against the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets, and Indiana Pacers.

If the Pistons are to clinch the No. 1 seed, it would be the first since the 2006-07 NBA season, when Detroit made a run to the Eastern Conference Finals, before falling to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games. 

The Pistons are 6-2 since Cade Cunningham’s collapsed lung diagnosis, which were both overtime losses to the Atlanta Hawks and Oklahoma City Thunder. Pistons fans are eagerly awaiting the news of whether or not Cunningham will return, as Detroit remains optimistic he’ll be back for the playoffs. 

The return of Cunningham is the key. If he makes his return for the playoffs, then the Pistons are primed to make a run at an NBA Championship, as they look to win their first since 2004. 

Pistons Matchup Against Timberwolves

The Pistons look to reach one step closer to clinching the No. 1 seed when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on Thursday night.

The Pistons recently defeated the Timberwolves on the road last Saturday in impressive fashion, earning a dominating 109-87 win. The tip-off between the Pistons and Timberwolves is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET on Prime Video.