The Detroit Pistons begin their 2026 preseason schedule by hosting the Phoenix Suns at Little Caesars Arena on Monday night. This opener is the first of four exhibition games before the regular season starts on October 20. Coming off a playoff series where they went 1-4 in their last five games, including a 94-125 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 18, the preseason is a vital chance for new faces to make an impression.
All eyes will be on Ebuka Okorie, the Pistons' first-round pick from Stanford. The guard averaged 23.2 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in his final college season. His playmaking and pick-and-roll offense could add a new dimension to Detroit's backcourt. As a rookie, he will need time to adjust, but Monday offers his first NBA-level test.
Chaz Lanier is another player looking to build on a strong Summer League. The two-way guard spent most of last season with the Motor City Cruise, appearing in 34 games for the Pistons and averaging 2.4 points. His three-point shooting is a specific skill the team desperately needs to improve. Consistent perimeter scoring was a major weakness last year.
The most notable offseason addition is guard Isaiah Joe. He joins Detroit after winning an NBA championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2025. Joe averaged 11.1 points and shot 42.3 percent from three-point range last season. That shooting percentage immediately makes him one of the team's best outside threats. His championship pedigree is unique on this roster.
Joe understands the grind of a long season and the focus needed to win. He can provide leadership for a young group. His ability to space the floor will be critical for the Pistons' offensive schemes.
This preseason slate follows a tough end to the 2025-26 campaign. The Pistons' recent form in their last five playoff games was 1 win and 4 losses. The sequence of results was a 107-97 win over Cleveland on May 7, followed by four consecutive defeats. Those losses included a 116-109 game on May 9 and a 113-117 overtime battle on May 14.
The 94-125 defeat on May 18 closed their season. That context makes these exhibition games more than just warm-ups. They are an opportunity to build new habits and integrate new personnel. After the Suns, Detroit faces the Washington Wizards, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Toronto Raptors in preseason. Then the real test begins on October 20 against the Boston Celtics.
Head coach Monty Williams will use these games to evaluate his rotation. He needs to see who can provide reliable minutes off the bench. The performances of Okorie, Lanier, and Joe will be a big part of that evaluation. Their development could shape the Pistons' depth and their chances for a better start this year.
