Pistons clinch playoff spot
Detroit clinched the first Eastern Conference playoff berth after a 115–101 win over Golden State on Friday — Jalen Duren led with 23 points while Daniss Jenkins (starting for an injured Cade Cunningham) added 22 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists (thescore.com) (freep.com). The victory cements Detroit’s turnaround and locks them into the postseason picture with under a month left in the regular season (keysnews.com).
Detroit entered Friday’s matchup with a magic number of one to clinch a top‑six seed — the win removed the remaining scenarios that would have forced Detroit into the play‑in. (heavy.com) The victory left Detroit 51–19 on the season and positioned the Pistons atop the Eastern Conference standings after the game. (espn.com) All‑Star guard Cade Cunningham was diagnosed with a left pneumothorax (collapsed lung) after a collision earlier in the week and will be re‑evaluated in two weeks, the team announced. (nba.com) Coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised the roster’s depth after the clincher, calling the group “a joy to coach” and pointing to contributions from role players stepping into starting minutes. (heavy.com) Detroit has occupied the top of the Eastern Conference since November as the franchise’s rapid rise this season pushed them from bottom‑dweller to conference leader. (nytimes.com) With a top‑six finish now secured, the Pistons will skip the SoFi play‑in tournament (April 14–17) and advance directly to the first round of the 2026 playoffs, which begin April 18. (nba.com)
