The 2024-25 NBA schedule was released today, and there’s a mix of good and bad news for Detroit Pistons fans. On the bright side, the Pistons have four nationally televised games: three on NBA TV (11/21 @ Charlotte, 1/27 @ Cleveland, and 3/3 @ Utah) and one on ESPN (2/7 vs. Philadelphia). However, the season’s first ten games will be an actual test, with eight opponents in playoff contention last year. If the Pistons want to prove they’re ready to compete, this early stretch is the perfect opportunity to make a statement.
The Pistons will endure two demanding West Coast trips this season. The first occurs over the Christmas holiday, featuring games in Phoenix (Dec. 21), Los Angeles against the Lakers (Dec. 23), Sacramento (Dec. 26), and Denver (Dec. 28).
The second trip in March includes matchups against the Utah Jazz (March 3), L.A. Clippers (March 5), Golden State Warriors (March 8), and Portland TrailBlazers (March 9). These challenging road stretches, combined with 15 back-to-backs and a five-game road trip from January 20th to 29th, will indicate early what the Pistons’ season might hold. Let’s dive into these crucial matchups and why they matter.
3 Pistons Regular Season Matchups To Watch Early On
October 25th @ Cleveland Cavaliers
In just the second game of the season, J.B. Bickerstaff will face the team he helped lead to the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. The results were mixed when the Pistons coaches faced their former teams. Monty Williams, for instance, went winless against the Phoenix Suns last season. Dwane Casey held a 9-7 record against the Raptors, including a six-game win streak from March 2021 to March 2022, but lost his last four matchups.
As Cavaliers coach, Bickerstaff went 12-3 against the Pistons, including a nine-game win streak. The Cavaliers have heavily invested in their core players, with Donovan Mitchell signing a three-year, $150 million extension, Evan Mobley securing $224 million over five years, and Jarrett Allen getting an additional $91 million over three years. If the Pistons want to earn respect from fans and the media, they must challenge the Cavaliers immediately.
Last season, the Cavaliers dominated the matchup against the Pistons, sweeping the series by an average of 8.5 points. With all the money they’ve invested in its young core and new head coach Kenny Atkinson instilling his philosophies, the Cavaliers are arguably favorites to win the Central Division this season.
October 26th vs Boston Celtics
To be taken seriously in the Eastern Conference, you must compete with the best, and the Celtics are the champions. In the season’s third game, the Pistons will fly home to host the Celtics. Last year, Boston almost denied the Pistons a chance to tie an unwanted record. On December 28, 2023, the Pistons held a 19-point halftime lead against the Celtics but were outscored 81-54 in the second half and overtime, tying the NBA record with 28 straight losses.
This offseason, the Celtics retained their championship core. While they lost coach Charles Lee to the Hornets, they secured long-term deals for Jayson Tatum (a five-year, $304 million extension), Derrick White (a four-year, $125.9 million extension), and Sam Hauser (a four-year, $45 million extension). While many teams lose key pieces post-championship, the Celtics have retained their roster, setting up another title defense.
As expected, the Celtics swept the matchup, winning by an average of 19.3 points. Despite Tatum missing two games and Brown one, both dominated when available, averaging over 30 points each.
November 4th vs Los Angeles Lakers
Whenever LeBron James steps onto the court in Detroit, fans flock to witness greatness. Since his move from the Cavaliers to the Lakers, James holds a dominant 7-1 record against the Pistons. Some may see this matchup as lopsided, but Pistons-Lakers games carry added intrigue due to a past unforgettable incident.
James infamously struck Isaiah Stewart in the eye, sparking an altercation that led to James’s one game and Stewart’s suspension for two. Since then, fans have closely watched their encounters, seeing them as intense competition or suspecting lingering tension. Regardless of the interpretation, this game promises to be another chapter in the storied Pistons-Lakers rivalry, offering plenty of entertainment.
When the Lakers visit Little Caesars Arena, they’ll bring a team that finished 47-35 last season. With Darvin Ham no longer at the helm, JJ Redick will debut as head coach, transitioning from the broadcast booth to the sidelines. Redick will be supported by a seasoned staff, including Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, former G-League Coach of the Year Lindsey Harding, Bob Beyer, Greg St. Jean, and Beau Levesque. The Lakers made key moves, re-signing James and drafting his son, Bronny James, creating the NBA’s first father-son duo. They’ll also rely on players like Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt to bring more flexibility to the rotation this season.
Last season, the Lakers swept the series, winning by an average of 20 points. James averaged 25 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in 30 minutes. Davis dominated with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks in 28.5 minutes. D’Angelo Russell contributed 28 points, six assists, and three rebounds in 33 minutes. Expect these three to be as impactful again, with the Pistons matching their energy.
The Last Word
As the Pistons gear up for the 2024-25 season, their schedule brings narratives, rivalries, and chances to prove themselves. Facing the formidable Cavs, reigning champion Celtics, or entertaining Lakers, each game carries unique intrigue.
These matchups will be critical tests for a team eager to change the narrative and build a winning culture. Rekindling rivalries, facing former teams, and challenging champions make the Pistons’ season journey as intriguing as the matchups.
