As the top seed in the Eastern Conference, there's no doubt that expectations for the Detroit Pistons are high as the playoffs get closer, but Marc Stein is here to rain on that parade.
Detroit has an impressive record against teams over the .500 mark, they've proven their ability to win clutch games and with a depth chart that could help them out tremendously when the postseason comes around, it's easy to understand why expectations are high.
With the stars aligning for the Pistons up to this point of the season, it seems like a perfect year for the Motor City to finally make it's long-awaited return to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2008.
And while fans have plenty of reason to be optimistic, NBA Insider Marc Stein's latest comments made it clear that Detroit's fanbase should temper their expectations before April swings around.
Marc Stein warns Pistons' faithful
In a recent episode of the All NBA Podcast, Stein pumped the breaks on the postseason hype train in regards to the Pistons when asked about his thoughts on the race in the Eastern Conference:
"Now look, I think Detroit is going to deliver in the playoffs," Stein said. "But it depends on what your definition of deliver means."
“Are they going to win the East? Okay, maybe I’m not ready to go that far,” the insider continued. “Are they going to win a round or two? I do think so. I think they’re for real. They’re on my shortlist of teams that can get out of the East. I do believe that.”
It's important to note that Stein didn't say the Pistons WON'T make it out of the East.
Stein did suggest that if he were to make a pick right now for the team to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals, he may not be ready to put all his chips in on Detroit right now.
Beyond that, he also seemed to mention the one team Detroit fans should be hoping gets knocked out before an eventual matchup with the Pistons.
Stein puts spotlight on Celtics as Pistons biggest threat
The Celtics being considered the biggest threat in the East to the Pistons shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.
Boston was viewed as a team that could give Detroit problems in the postseason after a strong pursh over the last couple months, and now with All-NBA superstar Jayson Tatum back in the lineup, the Celtics will certainly be a team that no squad wants to see in the playoffs.
For fans keeping score though, Detroit's dominant 3-1 record against the Celtics this season should offer some encouragement.