The Detroit Pistons have completed their 2026-27 preseason schedule, adding a road matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 8 pm. This game fills the final gap in Detroit's four-game exhibition slate, which also includes clashes with Phoenix, Washington, and Toronto. The Pistons enter preseason coming off a 94-125 loss to Cleveland on May 18, 2026, and a recent 1W-4L stretch in their last five games.
What's new for the Pistons this preseason?
The Pistons will integrate several new faces into their rotation, including John Collins, who replaces Tobias Harris in the starting lineup. Collins' chemistry with All-NBA point guard Cade Cunningham will be a focal point, as Detroit looks to improve on last season's 2-2 preseason record. The team also added Gary Harris and Taurean Prince via trade, while rookie Ebuka Okorie impressed in Summer League with nearly 20 points per game.
Key position battles to monitor
The backup point guard spot will be a tight competition between incumbent Daniss Jenkins and rookie Okorie. Jenkins brings experience, while Okorie's scoring potential could earn him minutes. At power forward, Ron Holland II and Prince will vie for reserve minutes behind Collins. Meanwhile, Isaiah Joe's elite three-point shooting could challenge Duncan Robinson for the starting shooting guard role.
Why preseason matters for Detroit
With a revamped roster, preseason games offer crucial reps for new players to gel with Cunningham and the core. The Pistons will experiment with lineups, including small-ball options with Prince at the four. After last year's preseason focus on rotation players, this year's slate prioritizes integrating newcomers like Collins and Okorie. The Timberwolves game, sandwiched between Washington and Toronto, provides a mid-preseason test.
What's next for the Pistons?
After preseason concludes, Detroit will shift focus to the regular season opener. The Pistons' offseason moves aim to build around Cunningham, and preseason will reveal how quickly the new pieces fit. With a 1W-4L recent form, the team looks to preseason to regain momentum before the real games begin.
