Although the official NBA schedule will be released on Thursday, the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup schedule has already been announced. The Detroit Pistons will be in East Group B with the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, and Toronto Raptors. The Pistons aren’t title favorites, but this tournament is a chance for their young squad to build confidence.
Last season, the Pistons faced significant challenges, losing 68 games and enduring a record-breaking 28-game losing streak. They also struggled in the 2023-24 in-season tournament, going winless against the Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Atlanta Hawks. With sweeping changes to the roster and coaching staff, the Pistons are eager to prove they’re a new team.
So, who are the Pistons’ opponents in this season’s NBA Cup? And how will they fare overall? Let’s dive into it.
2024 Emirates NBA Cup: Pistons Key Matchups and Predictions
Pistons NBA Cup Group Play: November 12th Vs. Miami Heat
The Heat entered this season amidst uncertainty. Jimmy Butler has already indicated he won’t sign an extension this summer, raising the possibility that he could become a free agent in 2025. Despite re-signing key veterans like Kevin Love, Thomas Bryant, and Haywood Highsmith and drafting Kel’el Ware, the Heat’s offseason failed to improve their roster, leaving some fans disappointed significantly.
However, the Heat still boast star power. Butler remains their leader, supported by a dynamic guard-scoring duo in Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier. Duncan Robinson is a threat from deep when he gets hot, and Bam Adebayo continues to be a force on both ends of the court, anchoring Miami’s defense. Just two seasons after a Finals run as an eighth seed, this team is not to be underestimated.
Last season, the Pistons played the Heat pretty evenly, with two games going down to the wire. They lost all four games in the series, which was expected given last season’s trajectory. This game is a pivotal opportunity for the Pistons to make a statement. To be taken seriously, they must assert themselves early, and this Miami matchup provides the perfect opportunity.
Result: Win
Pistons NBA Cup Group Play: November 15th @ Toronto Raptors
The Raptors entered the offseason focused on securing their young core, re-signing Immanuel Quickley to a 5-year, $175 million contract and extending Scottie Barnes with a 5-year, $225 million rookie deal. Along with RJ Barrett’s remaining three years at $83.1 million, the Raptors have invested a staggering $480 million in these three players. Despite this, their offseason moves were puzzling. While they added Davion Mitchell, they lost Gary Trent Jr. to the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving questions in their roster.
Last season, the Raptors were the team the Pistons defeated to end their historic losing streak. Short-handed due to the recent OG Anunoby trade, the Raptors lost to the Pistons on December 30th, 129-127. The Raptors dropped the season series to the Pistons 2-1. With Toronto keeping the same roster from their 25-57 season, the Pistons have a prime chance to continue their strong start.
Result: Win
November 29th @ Indiana Pacers
The Pacers enter this season brimming with confidence after their surprising Eastern Conference Finals run. They focused on retaining key pieces this offseason, re-signing Pascal Siakam to a four-year, $212 million deal, Obi Toppin for four years at $60 million, and Andrew Nembhard for three years at $59 million. The Pacers also added former Pistons center James Wiseman on a two-year, $4 million deal, further strengthening what is now one of the deepest frontcourts in the league.
Tyrese Haliburton, one of the top point guards last season, will carry his momentum into this year. Despite a minor leg injury during the Olympics, Haliburton will continue to lead the Pacers’ high-powered offense. The supporting cast, including Myles Turner, Aaron Nesmith, T.J. McConnell, Ben Sheppard, and Bennedict Mathurin, round out a solid rotation to keep the Pacers competitive.
Last season, the Pacers swept the Pistons, winning all four games by an average of 16 points. In the tournament last season, the Pacers made it to the championship game, where the Los Angeles Lakers defeated them. With an electric crowd in Indiana, the Pacers will aim to assert themselves for another deep tournament run.
Result: Loss
December 3rd vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The Pistons will close tournament play against the Bucks, the defending Central Division champions. After a brutal playoff exit to the Pacers, the Bucks aim to re-establish dominance in the Eastern Conference. Giannis Antetokounmpo returns healthy and motivated after his Olympic stint, while Damian Lillard looks to bounce back strong after injuries hampered his playoff performance. Khris Middleton will prove his value to the team, and Brook Lopez will make a comeback season.
Though the Bucks lost Malik Beasley to the Pistons, they quickly filled the gap by signing Gary Trent Jr. Additionally, they brought in savvy veterans Delon Wright and Taurean Prince to bolster their perimeter defense, addressing a critical weakness from last season. With young talents like Andre Jackson Jr. and MarJon Beauchamp expected to contribute more and head coach Doc Rivers now having an entire season with the team, the Bucks have the pieces to be a serious contender.
Last season, the Bucks swept the Pistons 4-0, winning by an average of 12.5 points. The most lopsided of those games was a 146-114 defeat on December 16th, though the other matchups were relatively competitive. The last time the Pistons defeated the Bucks was a 115-106 victory on January 3rd, 2022. The Pistons will be eager to upset their rivals, but overcoming the Bucks’ firepower early seems unlikely.
Results: Loss
The Last Word
The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup is crucial for the Detroit Pistons to showcase their growth and potential. While they may still need to be contenders, this tournament allows them to measure their progress against solid competition. Wins over the Heat and Raptors could boost their confidence, while tougher matchups against the Pacers and Bucks will highlight areas for improvement. Ultimately, this tournament could be the first step in the Pistons’ journey toward becoming a competitive NBA team.
Overall Record: 2-2
