All eyes are on the NBA Play-In Tournament as the Detroit Pistons keep their eyes posted for their round-one opponent. However, the team's opponent couldn't be more obvious, and fans will soon learn that only one matchup really matters this week.
The Pistons' luxury of securing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference gives them the advantage of playing the No. 8 seed in round one.
Unfortunately, with the newly implemented NBA Play-In Tournament, J.B. Bickerstaff's squad is finding out the harsh reality of how what used to be an advantage is now a disadvantage, with the team finding out their opponent at the last possible second.
With the 9th-seeded Charlotte Hornets set to take on the 10th-seeded Miami Heat on Tuesday night for the chance to play the loser of the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers,
And while there's no way to know how the Play-In Tournament will unfold for certain, it's safe to assume that only one real matchup matters for Detroit.
Pistons will likely face the loser of Magic/76ers
Orlando and Philadelphia are set to face off on Wednesday night for the chance to clinch the No. 7 seed in the East and an eventual first-round matchup with the Boston Celtics.
The loser of this matchup will host the winner of the Hornets and Heat for the final playoff spot and a battle with the Pistons in round 1.
Although the Hornets have been one of the hottest teams in the league as of late, and the Heat are beginning to be the unofficial mascot of the Play-In Tournament, with Erik Spoelstra's squad fighting their way through the tournament in each of the last four years, it's fair to assume that neither team will be the opponent for Detroit in the first round.
If there was any team that could shake things up though, the best bet would be Charlotte.
Hornets would be worst-case scenario
Any other year, a first-round matchup with the Hornets would seem like a gift for any top seed.
However, head coach Charles Lee has assembled a fast-paced squad that plays with confidence, intent, and grit.
Charlotte has the offensive firepower to complicate things when the postseason begins, and with the defensive mindset of Lee, it could offer a chess match the Pistons would prefer not to deal with.
Regardless, all eyes should be focused on Wednesday night's battle between the Magic and Sixers because all signs point to the loser of that matchup being the most likely candidate to play Detroit in round one.
Add us as a preferred source on Google