Detroit Pistons now in panic mode after loss versus Charlotte Hornets

The Detroit Pistons are hanging on to a playoff spot by a thread and are now in panic mode after losing a must win game against the Charlotte Hornets.

The Detroit Pistons have put themselves in a dangerous position after their loss against the Charlotte Hornets. They hang on to the playoff spot by a thread and worst of it all; they let the Hornets become a potential playoff team.

The Pistons could have eliminated the Hornets Sunday afternoon with a win. After going down as many as 23 points and swarming all the way back to bring the game within one point in the fourth; they failed to capitalize on the opportunity and take the lead. Charlotte extended their lead and eventually won the game.

The worst part of it all is the Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic have both clinched a playoff spot. Meaning the Pistons are holding on to the final playoff spot with Miami and Charlotte on the outside looking in.

The Pistons control their own destiny. They have two games remaining. One against Memphis, who will likely be without Mike Conley and Jonas Valanciunas. And the other against the league worst 16 win New York Knicks.

If they are able to win both of these two remaining games, they will clinch a playoff spot for the first time since the 2015-2016 season. But if they lose one, things could get complicated. They wouldn’t be able to control their own destiny anymore.

The Pistons could still potentially get the 7th seed if everything went their way. Charlotte would have to go 2-0 the rest of the way and beating Orlando. This would put the Hornets at 40 wins. Pistons would also have to go 2-0 to put themselves at 41. And Orlando would sit with 41 and due to tie breakers, Pistons would overtake Orlando. But Brooklyn would also have to beat Miami in their last game of the season to avoid 3 way tie breakers.

This all sounds easy. The Pistons playing two lottery teams to clinch playoffs? There is no possible way they mess this up with Reggie Jackson, Andre Drummond, and Blake Griffin.

All that except the unsurety that Griffin will be available for these two games. He was noticeably injured in Sunday’s game versus the Hornets. He struggled to play defense and run up and down the court.

Dwane Casey gave the Pistons media some information about Griffin’s injury that could possibly be terrible news for the team.

The Pistons could decide to end Griffin’s season depending on severity and long-term effects. And if they do shut him down, the Pistons will really miss out on their main source of offense.

It’s time to hit the red button. It’s panic mode time.