The Detroit Pistons are entering the 2026 NBA Playoffs with the No. 1 seed and a lot of doubt surrounding them.
Despite being the only Eastern Conference squad to touch 60 wins in 2025-2026, the Pistons’ inexperience in the postseason has led some NBA analysts and fans to overlook them in predictions.
The former Boston Celtics All-Star Isaiah Thomas makes it clear that’s a mistake.
Isaiah Thomas Backs The Detroit Pistons
GettyBOSTON, MA – MAY 17: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics looks on prior to Game One of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on May 17, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
âTo the media, they donât get the respect that they deserve. I think their peers and other teams respect what they bring to the table because they are a hard-nosed team. They play high-level defense. It reminds me of the bad boys mentality with the OG Isiah Thomas. Fast forward to when they had Ben Wallace, Chauncey Billups, and all of those guys,” Thomas said on NBA TV.
“What they are doing is amazing. Itâs not being talked about enough. I think thatâs how they like it. I think thatâs the makeup of their culture and their organization. They wouldnât want it any other way of being underestimated all year long and to come out and prove people wrong throughout the postseason. Thatâs whatâs next.â
After going 60-22, the Pistons finished the season with a 4.0-game lead over the Boston Celtics. Despite dealing with a major absence late in the year, with Cade Cunningham suffering a collapsed lung, the Pistons continued to thrive.
They have star power, depth, and elite coaching.
What’s Next For The Pistons?
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 18: Isaiah Thomas #0 of the Denver Nuggets watches a tribute video played in his honor during the first quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on March 18, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Being in the first seed, the Pistons don’t know their first-round opponent just yet.
The NBA Play-In Tournament tips off on Thursday with the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat battling for a shot at a series against Detroit.
The winner of that game will have to travel to Philadelphia or Orlando on Friday.
Detroit will face one of the four (Sixers, Hornets, Heat, or Magic).
After falling short against the New York Knicks in the NBA Playoffs last season, the Pistons are motivated to make a deep run in 2026. Many might doubt their chances against some of the East’s top teams, especially including Thomas’ former squad.
However, the former star guard is confident that the Pistons are the real deal.
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