1. The suddenly hot Pistons have cruised to five-straight wins. What has been the key?
Dan Feldman: The schedule softening. Don’t get me wrong, winning five straight against anyone, especially for the Pistons and especially by the margins they did, is impressive. Detroit deserves full credit for these victories. But the Pacers, Knicks, Magic and Kings are hardly murderers row. The most impressive win on paper came over the reeling Cavaliers — who just lost to the 76ers. Also consider the Pistons have had no back-to-backs during this streak. I’m certainly encouraged by how the Pistons have played, but the schedule gave them room to gain confidence and win games.
Brady Fredericksen: Brandon Jennings has played like an All-Star. Since Josh Smith’s release, Jennings has come alive. He’s averaging 21.6 points, 5.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 3 rebounds while shooting a scorching .558/.486/.833 during the streak. His 35 points against Sacramento on Sunday were the most he’s scored since pouring in 36 against the Knicks at MSG with the Bucks in 2012. I get that Smith being gone has helped create this, but don’t give him too much credit. Appreciate what Jennings has done — however unsustainable — for what it is and just ride the wave.
Braden Shackelford: There are a combination of reasons why the Pistons have flourished. Since waiving Smith, the Pistons are playing with much more energy, the ball movement/spacing has been exponentially better, and in turn, there has been more consistency from the players. I think Andre Drummond’s comfortableness in the low post and his evasion of foul trouble has gotten better which has certainly made a difference and the play of Meeks off the bench has helped the second unit find success. This tough stretch of games over the next two weeks will determine whether Jennings’ production, along with the rest of Pistons’, has become something to expect or just simply a mirage.
2. That streak will be put to the test tonight against San Antonio. What is one thing the Pistons need improve on as their competition improves?
Feldman: Competing for 48 minutes. These games have been wrapped up well before the final buzzer. Only the Suns have scored more and only the Bucks have allowed fewer points per possession over their last five games than the Pistons. It takes physical and mental exertion to play well for a full game, and, thankfully the Pistons haven’t needed to show lately that they can. That’ll change soon enough.
Fredericksen: Keep defending like they have been. It’s been hidden in the barrage of 3-pointers, but the Pistons defense has been surprisingly effective during this streak. They’ve been inconsistent on that end, playing solid defense early and then falling off a cliff during the long losing streak. Drummond has become to come into his own on that end, averaging two blocks per game over the last month and a half. That help-side emergence has aided the perimeter players as well as Greg Monroe.
Shackelford: I think they just need to continue to do the things that have got them to this point since waiving Smith. That means they need to continue to play with a ton of energy, play as a group, and making the shots they should make. Defensively, the Pistons have allowed 100 points or more just once during the streak. Honestly, it’s hard to expect the Pistons to play any better than they have.
3. Including tonight’s tilt in San Antonio, Detroit will play Dallas, Atlanta, Brooklyn and Toronto in the next two weeks. What’s their record during that stretch?
Feldman: 2-3. Give them a win over the Nets and one other. As long as Detroit steals that second win, that will be enough to keep the good vibes going. Go 1-4, and the joy that has come with this winning streak will probably dissipate.
Fredericksen: I’ll say 2-3. I think beating San Antonio is very possible — they’ve done it in consecutive seasons — but beating Dallas and Atlanta will be tough if that happens to be when Jennings and the shooters come crashing down to Earth. I think Brooklyn is beatable, and Toronto is probably not a win I’d bet on. I do think this group of Pistons is confident right now. That’s the attitude you need going into a stretch like this. But, give them two more wins and maybe Miami’s current slump continues to open the door to the No. 8 seed.
Shackelford: Best case, the Pistons go 3-2 with wins over the Spurs, Nets, and Raptors. I only include the Spurs in that scenario, because you never know who Popovich is going to play from night to night. Worst case, the Pistons go 1-4 with their only win against the Nets. With that said, I expect the Pistons to split the difference and go 2-3.