The Detroit Pistons have transformed from a 14-68 record two seasons ago into the top team in the Eastern Conference this season. Key developments from Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren have fueled their strong start.
Two seasons after finishing with a league-worst 14-68 record, the Detroit Pistons have made a remarkable turnaround. They won 44 games last season and now lead the Eastern Conference standings early in the 2025-26 campaign.
Former No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham has been central to the resurgence. Selected first in 2021, he earned his first All-Star nod last year and is now in the MVP conversation, listed at +5000 odds by DraftKings, the sixth-lowest in the league.
Center Jalen Duren has also elevated his game. Already known as one of the league's best young rebounders and defenders, Duren has become a 20-10 scoring threat in the post. He ranks fifth in the NBA in rebounding and is the +300 favorite for Most Improved Player.
The Pistons' defense has been exceptional, leveraging their length on the perimeter to rank top five in points allowed at 112.1 per game and defensive rating at 110.5. Their championship odds stand at +4000, with +800 to win the East and +425 to secure the No. 1 seed.