With the regular season quickly approaching an end, all eyes shift towards the NBA Playoffs as the final standings continue to take shape.
For the Detroit Pistons, who have been atop the Eastern Conference for majority of the season, a their first-round opponent will be decided at the very last minute, which only adds the pressure entering the postseason potentially without MVP candidate Cade Cunningham.
Obviously, with a couple weeks until the season comes to a close, there's still a window of hope that the Pistons can return to full health before playoff play begins.
Until that time comes, doubt around the league will continue to grow about the top seed in the East, with the latest warning coming from NBA analyst and Game Theory Podcast co-host Bryce Simon, who suggests Detroit could be on upset watch entering Round 1.
Pistons on upset watch entering the playoffs
In a recent discussion on the latest episode of the Game Theory Podcast, Simons and co-host Sam Vecenie were discussing potential first-round matchups in the East.
When the possibility of a first-round battle between a healthy Philadelphia 76ers team and the Pistons came up, Simons made it clear that this scenario would be one that alarms him, especially if injured star Cade Cunningham still hasn't returned to action.
"I think there’s a question coming up later—I’m not sure if we’ll get to it—but it’s like, 'Who’s the biggest chance for a first-round upset?'" Simon said. "If Cade’s not healthy, obviously Detroit is going to be, you know, a popular name to bring up."
"They’ve honestly played well without Cade this year, but we know the playoffs are different. I feel pretty good about Detroit getting out of the first round if Cade is back in some capacity, but if Cade Cunningham’s not back, I’m a little more nervous."
And while no fan wants to admit it, this type of matchup could sound alarms on a potential upset.
Detroit will need Cunningham back to make a run
It feels obvious to say that the Pistons will need Cunningham back in the lineup if they truly hope to make a run towards the NBA Finals, but the harsh reality is Detroit will need their star guard back in the first-round if they hope to escape a tough matchup like the above.
Detroit's supporting cast has stepped up during his absence, but with the postseason being a different beast, it's hard to fill the void the team's top playmaker leaves behind, especially in a 7-game series.
Perhaps all the doubt goes away when Cunningham is re-evaluated in one week, but until then, fans should brace themselves for the worst, while hoping for the best.