Can the Detroit Pistons get home-court advantage in the playoffs?

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 27: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 27, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers 121-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Tier 2

Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards, Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets

In this tier are the teams that finished fifth through tenth last season.

Picking the favorites out of this group is more of a crap-shoot than anything, as these clubs are a lot closer in talent than one might think.

The Indiana Pacers should be seen as favorite based on last year’s record alone.

Milwaukee could see a lot of improvement this season, with Mike Budenholzer coming in to coach a very talented group.

The Wizards have been stuck in this position for a few years now, but they’re hoping Dwight Howard can turn back the clock down low.

Miami could regress this year, thanks to an aging Dwayne Wade and the rift between Hassan Whiteside and the coaching staff growing.

That brings us to the Pistons. Every team listed above posted a better record than Detroit last year. This is where they start in this tier based on last year’s rankings, but there is potential for them to finish much higher this season.

Charlotte being this high may surprise you, but according to Cleaning the Glass metrics, they have a statistical profile of a 42-win team.

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