The Detroit Pistons are just over two months away from opening their pre-season against the Western Conference foe, with a matchup against the Phoenix Suns set for Monday, October 5. The Pistons are reportedly set to begin their training camp in late September, with a focus on reaching a conclusion to Jalen Duren's restricted free agency contract discussions before the squad reconvenes for training camp next month.
What happened?
The Toronto Raptors announced their pre-season schedule, which includes an October 16 matchup with the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. This exhibition contest is likely to serve as the group's home finale before embarking on the regular season. The Raptors released a five-game schedule, while the Pistons played in four pre-season games last year.
Why it matters for Detroit Pistons
The Pistons would still have enough time to participate in three more pre-season games if the team flexes to a five-game format for the 2026-27 season like the Raptors are doing. Last season, the Pistons and Suns only squared off twice, with both battles coming within a 14-day stretch in January. The Pistons hosted the Suns on January 15 and edged out a three-point victory, 108-105, where Duren dominated the matchup with 14 points and 18 rebounds.
What comes next?
The Suns were able to defend home court for an emphatic 18-point win in a game where Cade Cunningham struggled to shoot efficiently from the field. Dillon Brooks fed off the matchup's tension and went off for a 40-point performance to tilt the score in Phoenix's favor. The Pistons and Suns squared off at the Summer League last month, with the Suns starting hot and finishing strong to cement a 100-88 win over Detroit.
The Pistons are coming off a recent loss, with their last result being a 94-125 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 18. They have a recent form of 1 win and 4 losses in their last 5 games, with their most recent game being a loss. The team is still working on fine-tuning their roster ahead of the 2026-27 NBA campaign.
Key players and head coach
The Pistons will be looking to their key players, including Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham, to lead the team to victory. The head coach of the Pistons will also be looking to his team to perform well in the pre-season matchup against the Suns.
Conclusion
The Detroit Pistons are gearing up for a pre-season matchup against the Phoenix Suns on October 5. The team is still working on fine-tuning their roster ahead of the 2026-27 NBA campaign, and this matchup will be an important test for the team. The Pistons will be looking to their key players, including Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham, to lead the team to victory.
