Detroit Pistons: 3 positives and negatives of 2019-20 schedule

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TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 14: Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball as Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on November 14, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Positive: End of the year back-to-backs

Last season, the Pistons had five back-to-backs during the last 22 games of the regular season which no doubt took a toll on them. By the end of the year, there was really no room to rest players as the team was battling for their playoff lives which resulted in playing Griffin more than he should have.

This year there’s only three back-to-backs over the last 22 games of the season because of the Pistons loaded pre-All-Star schedule. They’ll have played 57 games by the All-Star break, many of the earlier matchups as discussed earlier in the season will be played against teams with injured All-Stars that make the opportunity ripe for a Pistons upsurge in the standings.

light. Related Story. Predicting the Eastern Conference standings

Based on last year’s records, in order to make the playoffs in the East you need at least 41 wins to make it as the eight seed. Through 57 games if the Pistons followed that pace they’d be near 26 or 27 wins.

However, a 12-4 record against Washington, Cleveland, Chicago, and Charlotte plus being merely .500 against everyone else would put the Pistons at 32 wins, which is more likely where they’ll need to be if they’re going to make the playoffs. Their schedule in March is very difficult as mentioned before so they’re going to need to put a lot of energy in this first part of the season to make it easier on themselves later.

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