To surprise the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons will have to prove themselves early. The Pistons face a daunting challenge right from the start of the 2024-25 NBA season. In their first 10 games, they will face eight teams that competed for the playoffs last season, including the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers, who boast MVP talent in Jayson Tatum and Joel Embiid.

While the first few weeks are full of challenges, the Pistons have an opportunity to build momentum as the season progresses. The midseason schedule offers a chance to make up ground – will they capitalize or let early trouble derail them? Here are some key takeaways and predictions for the Pistons’ 2024-25 season.

The 2024-25 Pistons season: key predictions and forecasts

The Pistons’ best month 2024–25

November could be a turning point for the Pistons, as they have 17 games on their schedule, including nine home games and eight away games. This month also sees three of their four NBA Cup games, adding extra excitement as teams battle for early titles in this new format. The Pistons are expected to go 3-2 through their first five games, with wins on 11/3 at the Brooklyn Nets, 11/6 at the Charlotte Hornets and 11/8 at the Hawks. These wins are the result of favorable matchups and the Pistons’ increasing cohesion.

As November progresses, the Pistons will alternate between wins and losses before hitting their stride with a five-game winning streak from 11/15 to 11/25. This stretch could be the turnaround they need as they build their confidence game by game. However, a tough matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on 11/27 will likely be the start of a three-game losing streak to end the month. The Grizzlies, led by Ja Morant, who is returning to the team, will be on a revenge tour after missing the entire season with a shoulder injury. Road games against the Pacers and Sixers are tough challenges that the Pistons may need help overcoming.

With a projected October record of 2-3, the Pistons would come in at .500 with a November record of 9-8 – a marked improvement from last season, when they entered December with just two wins. That nine-game improvement would bring new hope and bring fans back to fill the stands at Little Caesars Arena.

The Pistons’ Worst Month 2024-25

After a strong November that saw the Pistons finish above .500, December looks set to be their toughest month yet. The challenges start early with two straight losses to the Milwaukee Bucks (December 3) and Boston Celtics (December 4), two of the Eastern Conference heavyweights. The difficulties continue with a loss to the New York Knicks (December 7) as the Pistons struggle to keep up with a more experienced roster.

After a break for the NBA Cup Final, the Pistons host the Jazz on Dec. 19, a game they could win for a change. The momentum could be short-lived, however, as a grueling four-game West Coast tour begins Dec. 21. The Pistons will soon face the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets and are expected to win just one game – against the Kings on Dec. 26. The tough competition, altitude and star-studded lineups of Phoenix and Los Angeles make this road trip a challenge.

With a December record of 2-6, the Pistons will likely enter January with a 13-17 record. A sub-.500 finish isn’t ideal, but it’s a marked improvement over last season’s 3-29 start. That improvement keeps them within striking distance of a play-in tournament spot and gives fans reason to keep their hopes up.

All-Star break

Before the All-Star break, the Pistons are projected to have a record of 24-29. Although the record is marked by initial difficulties, Detroit will still have a strong presence during All-Star weekend in San Francisco.

• Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland will showcase their talent in the Rookies vs. Sophomores game.
• Simone Fontecchio will participate in the three-point contest and demonstrate his accuracy, a crucial weapon for the Pistons.
• Holland will bring his explosive athleticism to the Slam Dunk Contest.

As for the All-Star Game, Cade Cunningham will be in the conversation for a spot on the roster, but competition is stiff, with established stars like Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young and LaMelo Ball all vying for guard positions.

When the Pistons return to the regular season, they will likely struggle in their first few games. They will likely finish February with a 1-4 record, starting with consecutive losses to the Spurs on 2/21 and the Hawks on 2/23. A win against the Clippers on 2/24 will give them a brief reprieve before the Pistons finish the month with tough matchups against the Celtics on 2/26 and the Nuggets on 2/28 – two teams with championship aspirations.

Pistons final spurt prediction 2024-25

The Pistons will have an even split of home and away games over their final 18 games. With a record of 25-33 in March, they are expected to finish the regular season on a 9-13 run. However, towards the end of the season, the Pistons could snap a four-game losing streak and finish with a record of 35-45.

Last season, the Atlanta Hawks secured the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference with 36 wins. If the Hawks and Bulls look to rebuild, the Pistons could seize the opportunity and secure the 10th seed. While a 35-45 record wouldn’t be ideal, it could be enough to keep Detroit in the race for the postseason.

The last word

The 2024-25 season presents a unique mix of challenges and opportunities for the Detroit Pistons. Despite a rough December and the final stretch, the team’s young core shows promise and resilience. A 35-45 finish may seem modest, but it could lay the foundation for a play-in tournament spot and future success. This season is about growth and laying the foundation for the Pistons to once again become a power in the Eastern Conference. The road will be long, but the building blocks are falling into place.

Side note: Depending on two unscheduled games due to the NBA Cup, the Pistons will finish 37-45, 36-46 or 35-47.