The Detroit Pistons were mathematically eliminated from playoff consideration on April 8th with a loss to the Boston Celtics, although they were realistically eliminated a number of games prior to that.
As I have noted earlier, the race for the 8th seed is likely to come down to Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets and the Detroit Pistons, while the Orlando Magic could potentially make it a five team race for the final spot in the playoffs out of the East.
I believe each of the teams listed above has improved this offseason so it is likely the team that gets the 8th spot in the East will need to win at least 40 games, the last time the Pistons achieved such a feat was during the 2007/08 season.
Although every single game throughout the regular season will be important for the Pistons if they are to achieve a Playoff Position, I have highlighted the final twenty two games in March and April to get an indication on how difficult of a finish they are in for.
Over the final twenty two games, the Pistons have a nine game home stand from March 16 to April 1 and eight of the final nine games are against opposition pushing for 50+ win seasons.
I have looked over the schedule during that time and listed a hypothetical result based on current projections, my own personal opinion of course.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Result |
| Mar-02 | San Antonio | Away | Loss |
| Mar-05 | New York | Away | Win |
| Mar-06 | Portland | Home | Win |
| Mar-09 | Dallas | Away | Loss |
| Mar-11 | Charlotte | Away | Win |
| Mar-12 | Philadelphia | Away | Win |
| Mar-14 | Washington | Away | Loss |
| Mar-16 | Atlanta | Home | Loss |
| Mar-18 | Sacramento | Home | Win |
| Mar-19 | Brooklyn | Home | Win |
| Mar-21 | Milwaukee | Home | Loss |
| Mar-23 | Orlando | Home | Win |
| Mar-25 | Charlotte | Home | Win |
| Mar-26 | Atlanta | Home | Loss |
| Mar-29 | OKC | Home | Loss |
| Apr-01 | Dallas | Home | Loss |
| Apr-02 | Chicago | Away | Loss |
| Apr-05 | Miami | Away | Loss |
| Apr-06 | Orlando | Away | Win |
| Apr-08 | Washington | Home | Loss |
| Apr-12 | Miami | Home | Loss |
| Apr-13 | Cleveland | Away | Loss |
I have estimated a 9-13 record over that timeframe and to be perfectly honest, that looks to be quite optimistic. Included in those victories are two wins against the improved Charlotte Hornets as well as wins against teams like the Magic and Nets who could prove to be a little better than I project.
Of the losses, I have highlighted three games the Pistons may be able to record upset victories and why:
March 9 @ Dallas – The Mavs will be playing their third game in four days while the Pistons will be coming off two days rest
March 29 at home vs Oklahoma City – Thunder will be playing the second game of a back to back and it will also be their third game in four days. Again the Pistons will be coming off two days rest.
April 12 at home vs Miami and April 13 @ Cleveland – Veteran squads that will be looking at resting a number of their older players as the regular season comes to an end and they prepare for a long playoff run.
Finishing the regular season with nine wins would leave the Pistons needing to start the season with a 31-29 record entering the final twenty two games to ensure a 40 win season.
Can the Pistons maintain a near .500 record for an entire season? It seems a playoff position, even in the East, may prove to be easier said that done.
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