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The Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham is a front-runner for the league’s MVP award.
When the Detroit Pistons made the NBA Playoffs in 2025, simply getting there was a win in the eyes of the NBA world.
The team went from being the Eastern Conference’s worst to cracking the sixth seed. It was a miraculous turnaround that could be celebrated, despite a first-round exit against the New York Knicks.
The Pistons have remained strong during their follow-up effort. Not only are they going to be in the playoffs again, but they just might run away with the first seed. Seeing how the season has played out, the expectations are much higher this time around.
On Tuesday, March 24, former NBA players Chandler Parsons and Lou Williams applied heavy pressure on Detroit as they gear up for a second-straight playoff appearance.
“Now, there are expectations,” Parsons said this week. “I don’t want there to be a regular season great 82. Like, I want them now to advance and be real contenders.”
“It’s going to be a let-down if they don’t do what they are supposed to do,” Lou Williams added.
“If they lose in the first or second round, then this season is a wash,” Parsons stated. “There are expectations now with this team. You are good–you are not just a regular season team.”
Pistons Pressured To Break A Long Drought
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 17: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks on before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Pistons haven’t been to an Eastern Conference Finals since the 2007-2008 NBA season. After that, they were bounced in the first round of the 2009 NBA Playoffs, which was followed by a six-season drought.
When the Pistons made the playoffs in 2016, they were swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers. They were back in the playoffs in 2019 and then swept by the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Pistons have high expectations for themselves. Seeing as though they controlled the Eastern Conference’s top seed for most of the season, they know that a first-round exit would be a disappointment.
As of March 25, the Pistons are still the only team with at least 50 wins. The New York Knicks are behind them with 48, after their Tuesday night win over the new Orleans Pelicans.
The Pistons Face A Tough Obstacle
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 05: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons plays against the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena on January 05, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Last week, the Pistons found out that their star guard, Cade Cunningham, suffered a collapsed lung in the March 17 matchup against the Washington Wizards.
He was ruled out for at least a couple of weeks. The Pistons have left the door open for a possible return as early as the first round of the playoffs, but nothing can be guaranteed at this time.
So far, the Pistons have fared well in Cunningham’s absence. The team is 3-0 since his diagnosis was revealed. There is still a long way to go, and the pressure is on.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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