Although the Detroit Pistons have the night off on Friday, they can still celebrate a win depending on what happens between the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Hours before the Celtics-Bucks tip-off, the NBA announced that the Pistons can officially clinch the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed with a Celtics loss.
As expected, the 51-25 Celtics are heavily favored over the 30-46 Bucks.
The Eastern Conference Standings
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 26: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons embraces Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics after the Detroit Pistons defeated the Boston Celtics at Little Caesars Arena on February 26, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
The Pistons have a comfortable lead for the No. 1 seed with just under two weeks left to play in the 2025-2026 NBA season.
At 56-21, Detroit is 4.5 games ahead of the Celtics, following their impressive victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night.
Barring a massive collapse to finish the season, the Pistons should finish No. 1, whether they get it on Friday night or not.
Throughout most of the regular season, the Pistons have had control of the East. Even after dealing with a notable setback recently, the Pistons managed to stay afloat, winning eight of their last 10 matchups.
The Cade Cunningham Situation
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 27: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates after defeating the Denver Nuggets 109-107 at Ball Arena on January 27, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
Without Cade Cunningham this season, the Pistons proved they are still a threat.
However, their chances of making a run in the East will be much higher with the two-time All-Star running the offense.
This season, Cunningham has appeared in 61 games. He averaged 24.5 points while shooting 46.1% from the field. Cunningham also produced 5.6 rebounds per game and 9.9 assists per game (3.7 turnovers on average).
Cunningham was putting together an All-NBA run before his chances were halted with an injury. On March 17, the Pistons’ star went down with what was diagnosed as a collapsed lung.
He hasn’t been on the court since last month. The chances of Cunningham returning before the season ends seem slim.
The Pistons are holding out hope for Cunningham to compete in the playoffs. They’ll have more clarity on Cunningham next week, when he’s evaluated once again. In the meantime, the Pistons are focusing their effors on closing out strong and locking up the top seed.
The final mission of the regular season just might get accomplished on April 3.
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