3 teams that would be perfect for the Pistons to play on opening night

Even though the Detroit Pistons only won 17 games this past season, there will still be plenty of excitement when the 2023-24 season finally rolls around.

It seems like a long time until October’s opening night for the Pistons, who are hoping they can finally climb out of the cellar and actually compete in the Eastern Conference.

The Pistons have lost two of their last three on opening night, with the lone win coming last season against the Orlando Magic.

It would be nice for Detroit to get off to a good start next season as they try to turn the corner as a franchise, and they could do it against one of the other young teams, hopefully kicking off rivalries that will last for years.

3 teams that would be perfect for the Pistons to play on opening night

Orlando Magic

The Pistons beat the Magic last season in the first game, but then lost five straight, so the opening night win didn’t portend much success for the season. The Magic took the leap last season that the Pistons were hoping to make, winning 34 games and at least being within shouting distance of the play-in.

Both teams feature some of the most exciting young talent in the NBA and should be battling each other in the standings, so why not make this an opening night tradition and start the season against the Magic?

San Antonio Spurs

Someone is going to be the beneficiary of one of the most hyped opening nights in recent history by getting to play against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. All eyes will be on Wemby of course, but this is another young team on the similar timeline as Detroit and there would be plenty of intriguing storylines in this one.

Two number one picks playing against each other, the Duren/Wembanyama matchup that should be a very interesting clash of styles, two veteran coaches trying to win with young teams. This would be a fun way to start the season and get Detroit plenty of attention.

Houston Rockets

The fans of the Pistons and Rockets already hate each other for some reason, but aside from that, this one has some great storylines. You have Cade Cunningham returning to play his old nemesis Jalen Green.

You have Ausar Thompson playing against his twin brother Amen in a competitive basketball game for the first time, which should kick off a fun argument that will probably never end. You have two teams trying desperately to make a leap and not be at the bottom of the league again.

Hopefully the Detroit Pistons will play one of these three teams to start the season, as it gives them a fighting chance to start with a win and will hype up some of the narratives we’ll be watching all year.