Top 10 Detroit Pistons games you can’t miss in 2025-26

Rodney Knuppel

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Top 10 Detroit Pistons games you can’t miss in 2025-26 image

The Detroit Pistons are finally starting to look like a team with direction. After several rebuilding seasons, the young core is beginning to click. Cade Cunningham is healthy, Ausar Thompson is developing into a two-way force, and Jalen Duren continues to anchor the frontcourt.

Detroit might not be ready to contend yet, but this season feels like the turning point, the year they stop being an afterthought and start being a problem for opponents.

Here are 10 games Pistons fans won’t want to miss this season.

  1. Oct 26 vs Boston
    The first home game of the season, and it comes against one of the East’s signature franchises. Detroit has a chance to make a statement early in front of a packed Little Caesars Arena.

  2. Oct 27 vs Cleveland
    The defending East top seed comes to town. It’s a measuring-stick night against a championship-level roster that Detroit can test itself against right away.

  3. Nov 1 vs Dallas
    The Mavs visit Motown with one of the league’s best offenses. Detroit’s young guards will get a lesson in pace and precision from Luka and company.

  4. Nov 12 vs Chicago
    Central Division games always matter, but Bulls-Pistons still carries that old-school energy. Expect a loud crowd and a hard-fought matchup.

  5. Nov 22 at Milwaukee
    Facing Giannis on the road is the kind of challenge every rebuilding team needs. How Detroit handles this game will say a lot about its maturity.

  6. Dec 6 vs Milwaukee
    Back at home for the rematch, the Pistons get another shot at one of the East’s toughest teams. A competitive showing here could fuel some mid-season confidence.

  7. Jan 5 vs New York
    The Knicks’ new coaching staff and playoff pedigree make them a solid benchmark for Detroit’s progress. Cade vs. Jalen Brunson should be a fun backcourt battle.

  8. Jan 23 vs Houston
    The Rockets arrive with Kevin Durant now in the mix. This matchup of two young, rising teams could be one of the most entertaining games of the Pistons’ season.

  9. Feb 25 vs Oklahoma City
    The defending champions bring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren to Detroit. It’s a high-profile test and a chance for the Pistons’ young stars to see what elite looks like.

  10. Apr 8 vs Milwaukee
    The final home stretch of the season comes with one last meeting against Giannis and the Bucks. Detroit’s growth and toughness will be on full display if they can push a contender late in the year.

MORE: Top 10 New York Knicks games you can’t miss in 2025-26

The Pistons are still young, but the pieces are finally coming together. They have a real direction, a true identity, and a roster that plays hard every night. Detroit may not be a playoff team yet, but nights like these are how contenders are built.

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Rodney Knuppel

Rodney Knuppel is a freelance writer for The Sporting News. When not watching, listening or writing about sports, Rodney enjoys following the travels of his three kids, who are all active in their own sports and activities. A huge St. Louis Cardinals fan, Rodney also enjoys St. Louis Blues hockey and is a big Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan.