What the Pistons will gain from beating the Cavaliers ahead of six-game stint at home

Detroit Pistons will look to shake off their cobwebs when they travel to Cleveland to face the Cavs before a lengthy run of home games.

Jan 1, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during pregame warmups before their game against the Miami Heat at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

The Detroit Pistons find themselves at a crucial moment in their season, searching for a spark after stumbling through a rough patch that has seen them lose three of their last four games.

For a team that surged to the top of the Eastern Conference on the back of a remarkable run, the recent dip in form has been a sharp reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in a long campaign.

Not so long ago, the Pistons looked untouchable. Their 13-game unbeaten run established them as the team to beat in the East, combining aggressive defense with efficient, unselfish offense. That stretch now feels like a distant memory as Detroit struggles to rediscover the rhythm and confidence that defined its early-season glory. While they still sit at the top of the East, the pressure is beginning to mount.

Holding on to first place in the East is now a clear priority. The Pistons know that consistency, especially away from home, will be crucial if they are to remain in control of the race. Their next test comes on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the timing of this game is pivotal. A positive result would give the Pistons momentum and breathing room as they prepare to face their closest challengers, the New York Knicks, which begins a six-game stint at home.

Conversely, another loss could tighten the standings and increase the sense of urgency.

The matchup carries added sauce given what happened the last time the two teams met: Cleveland handed Detroit a convincing 116-95 defeat on October 27, exposing weaknesses the Pistons will be eager to address.

In that loss, Detroit struggled mightily on the offensive end, shooting just 37.9 percent from the field. Cade Cunningham, the team’s centerpiece, was limited to 12 points as the Cavaliers disrupted passing lanes and forced the Pistons into difficult shots.

It was one of Detroit’s least effective performances of the season and serves as a clear reference point for how much improvement is needed this time around.

A strong showing against Cleveland would not only help erase the memory of that earlier defeat but also set the tone for what lies ahead.

For Detroit, the path forward is clear. They must sharpen their execution, improve shooting efficiency, and lean on their leaders to steady the ship. The top spot in the East is still theirs to defend, but doing so will require a response—starting now, on the road in Cleveland.