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2025-26 Detroit Pistons Predictions and Odds to Win NBA Finals

by Spencer Toth - 10/1/2025

Detroit Pistons predictions Cade Cunningham

The Detroit Pistons won a playoff game for the first time since 2008 last season and have a promising group of prospects ready to usher in the next generation of NBA superstars. After five straight seasons of bottom-three finishes in the Eastern Conference, last season was a refreshing taste of success for the Pistons fanbase. Detroit is one of several emerging contenders in a wide-open Eastern Conference, and could this be the year they finally take the next step towards a deep playoff run?

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Detroit Pistons Offseason Recap

Detroit shipped out several veteran players to free up playing time for their young superstars. Tim Hardaway started a team-high 77 games for the Pistons last season, bringing a veteran presence both on and off the court. He rarely turned the ball over with just 0.6 per game, and will be undoubtedly missed in Detroit. Malik Beasley was one of the most lethal three-point shooters of this decade last year for Detroit, but he is a free agent and has yet to be signed due to an ongoing gambling investigation. Finally, Dennis Schroder was brought in at the trade deadline and was a reliable point guard for the Pistons. Losing these three veterans will allow head coach JB Bickerstaff to give more playing time to the Pistons' future stars rather than leaning on his veterans to pile up wins. 

The Pistons didn’t have a first-round pick this season, but they did bring in a pair of strong shooters to offset their veteran losses. Duncan Robinson is leaving Miami after seven seasons with the Heat, and shot 39.3% from behind the arc last season. His three-point production will help offset Beasley’s departure, but his defensive shortcomings will limit him to a rotational role. Also coming to Detroit is Caris LaVert. LaVert has bounced around the league in recent years, but will be hoping he has found a new home in Detroit. LaVert was a 3-and-D player in Cleveland, but emerged as the second unit’s ball handler behind Trae Young in Atlanta. The Pistons will be looking for someone to replace Schroder’s poise on the ball, and LaVert is a good, cheap pickup for the Pistons. 

Detroit Pistons Season Expectations

Just one year ago, the Pistons were coming off a 14-68 season after posting fewer than 25 wins in five straight seasons. A 44-38 record last year has lifted the spirits of this fanbase, but expectations should be limited heading into the 2025-26 season. Cade Cunningham will be the Pistons' best player once again, and there is no denying the fact that the Pistons have a well-rounded starting five. Cunningham can facilitate and score on the offensive end, while Jaden Ivey is the perfect backcourt partner. Tobias Harris continues to thrive in a reduced role, while Jalen Duren is a rebounding vacuum at both ends of the court. Once you add in Ausar Thompson and Duncan Robinson providing depth off the bench, it’s not surprising to see Detroit favored to make the playoffs once again. 

While there are lots of bright spots for the Pistons, they will need to put it all together if they hope to be among the best teams in the East. Cunningham still lacks the experience needed to play point guard for a contender, and he turned the ball over 4.4 times per game last season. He will need to clean that up this season, as once you add in Ivey’s 3 turnovers per game, the Pistons are all of a sudden a real liability with the ball in the backcourt. Ivey, coming off his injury, is another wild card as it remains to be seen how he will bounce back from his gruesome leg break. Regardless, the expectation will be that the Pistons can make the playoffs again, but expecting anything more than a first or second round exit is asking too much of this young squad. 

Detroit Pistons Schedule Breakdown

Detroit opens up the season with a pair of road games in Houston and Chicago before playing 8 of their next 11 at home. A hot start for this young team will help build their confidence, as much of their roster was on the Pistons during the infamous 28-game losing streak. Detroit will be on the road for the holidays, as they have a five-game trip from December 22nd until the end of 2025. That is their longest road trip of the season, as the Pistons have the privilege of several short road trips and miniature home stands. 

Detroit Pistons Odds

The Detroit Pistons have a 45.5 win total this season, which is the fifth-best in the Eastern Conference. The expectation is that they will qualify for the postseason, as they have -580 odds to make and +360 odds to miss out on April basketball. Regarding the play-in tournament, the Pistons have never participated in the extra games, and have +200 odds to do so this year as they are expected to secure a top 6 seed.

In the playoffs, Detroit has the fifth-best odds to win the East at +1100 and sky-high +3300 odds to win the NBA Finals. If the Pistons want an easier path to silverware, the NBA Cup is their best option. They have a winnable group with the Magic, 76ers, Celtics, and Nets, and have +270 odds to come out on top. They also have the benefit of playing home games against the top two contenders in their group, the Magic and 76ers. 

2025-26 Detroit Pistons Season Predictions and Best Bets

While there is a lot to like about the Pistons, the market is overvaluing Detroit coming into the season. A new rotation of veteran players will disrupt this team’s chemistry, and there is no debate that, on paper, the Pistons got worse. Beasley was averaging 3.9 three-point shots made last season, and that production is simply too much to make up for. While getting Jaden Ivey back from injury will help, expecting another bump from their 44-38 record is not realistic. I expect the Pistons to finish exactly .500 next season at 41-41, finishing well under their win total. While that is a good pick to make, the best pick you can make is the Pistons to play in the play-in tournament at +200 odds. Not only is this the best pick for the Pistons, but this is one of the best preseason picks you can make in general. These are the kind of odds you want to target for season-long bets, and this is a great price for a very plausible outcome. There will be lots of teams hovering around .500 in the East next season, and the Pistons will be one of them. They barely squeaked out of the play-in last year in 6th place, but will not be so lucky this time around. Sprinkling on Detroit to miss the playoffs at +380 isn’t bad either, but I do expect the Pistons to sneak in with the 7th or 8th seed. 

Pick: Detroit Pistons Under 45.5 Wins -110

Top Pick: Detroit Pistons to Participate in the Play-in Tournament +200

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