After a disappointing end to their miraculous comeback season, the Pistons are back in action. Less than a month into the 2025-26 regular season, here are a few takeaways so far.
Jaden Ivey Could be Missing Link
Pistons fans everywhere cringed when they saw Jaden Ivey collapse in a heap after breaking his fibula on New Years Day against the Orlando Magic. Ivey would miss the remainder of the season, with many believing the Pistons’ first round exit against the Knicks could have been avoided with a healthy Ivey.
The same story seems to be happening now. With Ivey out for the first month of the season with an unrelated knee injury, the Pistons’ offense seems stale. With Cade Cunningham as the primary shooting threat, Ivey is a much needed second offensive weapon. His ability to create space and score is something the Pistons need to stay competitive, especially as the season ramps up. While the Pistons have managed to survive without him, they will have a much stronger core when he returns.
Jalen Duren is Coming Up Big
Eleven games in, and Duren is already looking hot. Despite seeing slightly less playing time, the fourth-year center is showing major improvements. Duren shot 13-16 against the Dallas Mavericks in Mexico City on Nov.1, finishing with a career high 33-points.
He continues to mesh well with Cunningham and fellow big man Isiah Stewart, putting up highlight finishes. His unique combination of speed and power make him a formidable threat around the basket. While he still hasn’t added a jumper to his repertoire, he’s making up for it at the free-throw line and down low. Duren is averaging 6.5 visits to the line — more than double his career average — and hitting 85% so far.
Going Hard in the Paint
While the Pistons continue to lack in the shooting department, they are finding success in the paint on both offense and defense. Offensively, they are owning the rim and averaging 14.4 rebounds per game (tied for second in the NBA).
On the other side of the ball, the Pistons lead the league in blocked shots per game. Isaiah Stewart has been an impressive two-way player, coming up big at the rim on both ends of the court. His four-block performance against the Memphis Grizzlies on Nov. 3 helped turn the momentum in the 114-106 Pistons win.
It Can’t Just Be the Cade Cunningham Show
There’s no doubt that Cunningham is the backbone of the Pistons. His 46-point performance against the Washington Wizards on Nov. 10 — and being named the Eastern Conference Player of the week the same day — only further cemented that position. But he can’t be the only one responsible for the team’s success. When Cunningham has an off night, the Pistons don’t have a chance.
There are glimpses of greatness from the supporting cast, but nothing consistent enough to rely on. Duren has shown early on that he has an elite skillset, but his 17.3 points per game still lags six points below Cunningham. Ausar Thompson has proved to be an elite defensive weapon, but still needs to make strides to reach his ceiling.
The offseason signings of Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert offered some hope. But so far, Robinson has yet to have the impact his predecessor Malik Beasley had off the bench. And with LeVert nursing a hamstring injury, his value hasn’t been fully felt yet either.
Health is Wealth
It’s only November, and the Pistons’ injury report is already stacking up. Beyond the obvious holes left by guards Ivey and Marcus Sasser’s injuries, the team already looks beaten up. Lingering leg injuries have kept LeVert, Stewart, Harris and Thompson out of games leaving gaps in the depth chart. An awkward fall in the Nov. 10 Wizards game nearly sidelined Cunningham with a back injury. While these issues haven’t stopped the Pistons from being first in the Eastern Conference, it could spell trouble going forward. If the Pistons want to have another serious run in the playoffs, they need to find a way to stay healthy and keep starters on the court.
Sights and Sounds
Hour Detroit had the chance to attend the Pistons’ home opener against the Boston Celtics on Sunday, Oct. 26. Here is some of what we saw from different premium seating options at Little Caesars Arena.
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