The Detroit Pistons are pulling off a masterful tank job that will be threatened by their second half schedule.
The Pistons have played the 5th toughest schedule in the NBA so far, but things are going to get much easier from here on out.
When you factor in the 36 games on the 2nd half of the schedule, the Pistons will have the 26th most difficult schedule in the NBA, which is not good for their chances of tanking their way into a top pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
It’s not like anyone enjoys watching the Pistons lose, but in a rebuilding year with no realistic chance at the playoffs, the only positive is the possibility of walking away with a franchise-changing talent at the end of it.
Here’s a look at what the Detroit Pistons are up against as well as some key games in the second half of the season.
Detroit Pistons’ Schedule: Key games in the 2nd half
Of the Pistons’ 36 games in the second half of the season, only 18 of the are against teams that are currently in the playoffs.
Though the Pistons have inexplicably been better against good teams this year, that is an anomaly and not something you would expect to continue over the course of the season. So the fact that they only play half their games against “good” teams is a problem.
As is the fact that the Pistons have 17 home games in the second half of the schedule. The Pistons have won six of their nine games at home, so a favorable home schedule is not doing their lottery odds any favors.
They have some key games against other tanking teams in the second half where it may behoove the Detroit Pistons to find a reason to sit guys like Jerami Grant.
The Pistons play the Rockets on March 20 and have two games against the Wizards on the 27th and on April 2nd. They’ll have another game against the Kings on April 9th and have a game against the Timberwolves on May 12th that could end up being crucial for their draft position.
Fans have loved the way the Detroit Pistons have competed this year, as they are losing mostly close games behind strong play from their rookies but it will all be for nothing if they end up winning too many games in the second half and reduce their chances of finally getting some luck in the draft.