This year, both the Pistons and Red Wings have had unexpectedly successful seasons, and the last time both teams made the playoffs in the same year was 2016. This year, a lot of that could change. 

For the Pistons, this year has been nothing short of extraordinary. After surprising the league and finishing last year with a 44-38 record and pushing the Knicks to a six-game series in the NBA playoffs, the Pistons have come out even stronger this season. 

Currently, Detroit has a 39-13 record, good for first in the East and second in the NBA. So far this year, the Pistons have averaged 117.3 points per game, shoot 48% from the field, and averaged 13 offensive rebounds per game. While their three-point percentage is below average, the Pistons make up for it by averaging 10.7 steals per game and 6.2 blocks per game, which are both first in the league. The Pistons have also held opponents to 109.6 points per game, good for third in the league. As a team, Cade Cunningham leads Detroit with 25.3 points per game, which is good for fifteenth in the league. He’s also second in the league, averaging 9.6 assists per game. 

Of all the strengths the Pistons have accomplished so far this season, one of their biggest weaknesses is three-point shooting. Other than Duncan Robinson, Detroit has no primary shooters it can rely on for a big shot, which could be a potential weakness later in the year. Isaiah Stewert and Jalen Duren were also suspended after getting into a fight against the Hornets. 

But even with some of the Pistons’ best players being out and their three-point depth being a problem, they continue to play at a high level. Cunningham, Duren, and Ausar Thompson are all draft picks who have continued getting better. With the additions of veterans Daniss Jenkins, Tobias Harris, and Robinson, the Pistons’ depth is hard to beat. Which is why they stand with the best record in the Eastern Conference and a team I think will reach the NBA Finals. 

While the Red Wings haven’t been as successful as the Pistons this year, they still have a high-caliber team that could be worthy of a playoff spot. According to MoneyPuck, the Red Wings have a 77.8% chance of making the playoffs. Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, and Dylan Larkin all have collected over fifty goals this year, and the Red Wings’ power play at 23.1% is good for ninth in the NHL. According to Tankathoon, the Red Wings’ strength of schedule is the fifth hardest in the league, so the team will need key wins to keep their season the way it has gone so far.

The Red Wings are currently third in the Atlantic Division, but with the All-Star Break approaching, there are a lot of questions surrounding Detroit and whether it can finish off the season strong. 

Both the Pistons and Red Wings have had better-than-expected seasons this year. The Pistons, who were one of the worst teams in the NBA for three years straight, have risen to the top thanks to draft picks, a good coaching hire, and all-star Cade Cunningham leading the way. Meanwhile, the Red Wings are trying to make their first playoff appearance since the 2015-16 season; if the right things go their way, they definitely have a shot. Time will tell what happens to the Pistons and Red Wings later this year, but as of now, they are both in strong spots heading into the end of their seasons.