Mar 1, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff talks with center Jalen Duren (0) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images We’ve finally made it. The NBA Playoffs are (kind of) here, and the Pistons open Sunday against whoever survives the Magic/Sixers/Hornets play-in on Friday. This isn’t a full preview, just some thoughts and observations ahead of the Pistons’ biggest postseason in 19 years. Let’s dive in. I’m not concerned with the Play-InThe Pistons are the No. 1 seed for a reason. None of Orlando, Philly, or Charlotte should scare you. Detroit went 9-2 against that trio this season, and one of the Orlando losses came last week without Cade Cunningham, Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson and Isaiah Stewart. Charlotte is volatile because of their shooting, but that kind of 3-point variance is more dangerous in a one-game setting than a seven-game series. It’s hard to see them staying hot over the course of a playoff series. Philadelphia, for now, doesn’t have Joel Embiid. Tyrese Maxey is still an All-NBA dude, but the rest of the roster lacks punch. Even if Embiid returns, he’s not the same guy who tormented the Pistons during his MVP era. Orlando is just… off. The talent is there, but between the late-season slide, the Paolo Banchero situation, and locker room noise, it’s hard to take them seriously. Vibes are badddddd. Detroit should handle this series in five games. Not a sweep, but a gentleman’s sweep. Are Detroit sports fans a little damaged?There’s a weird level of local skepticism around this team. Nationally, sure, I get it. No. 1 seeds without a deep playoff track record always get a side-eye. But locally? It feels like people are bracing for disaster. Maybe it’s last year’s Tigers collapse or the Lions’ flameout over the past two years, but there’s a lot of “they could lose to Charlotte” or “there’s zero chance they make the Conference Finals.” It’s just odd. I’m not going to sit here and tell you I think the Pistons will win the title (they won’t) nor that they’ll make the Finals (they might), but this isn’t a team walking into the playoffs blind. They got their playoff indoctrination last year. That matters. A shorter rotation is comingI caught a lot of flak on Twitter recently over this, but I think the Pistons are going to cut down their rotation come Sunday. We’re not going to see 10-11 guys playing. Maybe we will if the series isn’t close, but if it’s a real, down-to-the-wire series, we’re going to mostly see the starters playing more with Ron Holland, Daniss Jenkins, Stew and Kevin Huerter carrying the load off the bench. This scheduling is weirdBoston and San Antonio, the No. 2 seeds, will know their opponent for Sunday’s Game 1s by the end of the night. The No. 1 seeds won’t know until Friday night. That’s a little wack. The top seed still gets home court and an easier path on paper, but the play-in muddies that advantage a little bit. It’s not a huge deal, but feels like a quirk the NBA should look at. It’s Jalen Duren’s timeDuren took the leap this year. Made the All-Star team, likely making All-NBA — should but won’t win the Most Improved Player award — but I think there’s still more to come. Detroit will need his offense in these playoffs, but the real swing is his defense. If he can hold up on switches in the playoffs as he has in the regular season, it makes a deep run possible. He had moments against the New York Knicks last year, but struggled overall on D. I think he’s going to click on both ends this year. If it’s Charlotte, he should dominate. Same against Philly sans Embiid. Even against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round, the numbers are hard to ignore: 21.7 points and 12.3 rebounds vs. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen this season, including 28.5 points and 15 rebounds per game in two matchups after the All-Star break. He’s a mismatch and massive advantage for Detroit. Three X-FactorsI couldn’t pick one, so you get three and a half very important dudes: Ron Holland — He looked like a deer in the headlights against the Knicks last year, but the game has slowed down for him recently. His numbers (10 points per game, 46% from the field, 48% from three on 21 attempts) in six games this month sans Cade back it up. He’s ready to roll. Daniss Jenkins — As far as I’m concerned, he’s a rookie. Jenkins has had highs and lows, but overall, he’s just produced. He’s not afraid. His playmaking and shot creation could swing a game or two. It’s easy to get sped up in the playoffs; the key for him is staying aggressive without losing control. Duncan Robinson — We saw Detroit struggle when Malik Beasley went cold last postseason, so Robinson’s shooting is obviously critical. He brings real playoff experience (61 games, 40% from three). The question is whether Detroit can protect him defensively or if they can trust Jenkins enough to close in his place. We’re gonna say, “Woo” I don’t know when. I don’t know how. I just know Javonte Green is going to have his moment. I don’t have him in the truncated playoff rotation right now, but there’s going to be a spot where the Pistons need a jolt or big play on defense or dunk to wake up the LCA crowd. I’m gonna bet Woo is the guy who delivers. — What are you all feeling headed into Sunday? Let us know in the comments! ...read more read less